§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list and describe the studies from within or without 360W his Department relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of his Department together with the recommendations and action taken on those recommendations.
§ Mr. PattieMy Department conducts a very wide range of studies related to the effectiveness and efficiency of its business. They include departmental reviews and studies and Rayner scrutinies and participation in centrally co-ordinated multi-Departmental reviews. Such studies are an essential part of normal good management, and also reflect the Government's determination to find economies in defence support costs and concentrate the available resources on strengthening and enhancing the capability of the front line.
The full details requested of all these studies and the action resulting from them could be collated only at disproportionate cost. Information on some of the more important studies has been given in recent annual Statements on the Defence Estimates [1980-Cmnd. 7826–1, chapter 8; 1981-Cmnd. 8212–1, chapter 8; 1982-Cmnd. 8529–1 chapter 5].
Recent major studies in this area have included the control of expenditure—the Reeves report—financial accountability—the second Reeves report—and inspection and audit, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House; and a review of operational requirements procedures, which has been made available to the House of Commons Defence Committee.
Brief descriptions of three earlier major studies, and a full list of studies undertaken since 1969 by the Department's management services (organisation) division, were given in replies to two questions during the last Session from the hon. Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George).—[Vol. 14, c. 314; Vol. 24, c. 435–441.]
The Ministry of Defence is participating fully in the financial management initiative announced in Cmnd. 8616—"Efficiency and Effectiveness in the Civil Service"—and is currently conducting two Rayner scrutinies, and two resource control reviews as well as continuing with a full programme of management audits, staff inspections, internal audits, management services assignments and other studies.
In addition, my Department is subject to the full range of examinations carried out by the Exchequer and Audit Department, the results of which are reported to the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons.