§ Q39. Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Prime Minister how many scrutinies and multi-departmental reviews were carried out by Lord Rayner; and what have been the annual savings achieved to date.
§ The Prime MinisterIn the years 1979–81, 108 scrutinies and three multi-departmental reviews covering150W 35 departments were carried out in association with Lord Rayner. From these, firm decisions have been taken on recommendations which will produce savings and extra income of £180 million a year and £29 million once-for-all savings. Further savings, estimated at £85 million a year and £8 million once-for-all depend on further consideration and consultation.
Additional savings will arise out of the 1982 central efficiency programme, which is not yet complete. This comprised 27 scrutinies and three multi-department reviews covering 25 departments. To date, savings of £60 million per annum have been identified from this work.