§ Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the percentage levels of employment in (a) the public sector and (b) the private sector for 1970, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982 in the United Kingdom.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe information requested is as follows:
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneI have reviewed this with the Chief Registrar. Our long-term aim is to have a smaller but technically more proficient registry, concentrating on its primary functions.
319WInitially the registry requires a modest increase in senior staff so that it has the expertise, particularly in accountancy, necessary to protect the interests of investors in building societies and the other mutual financial institutions for which it is responsible. I have agreed to short-term increases in the registry's manpower ceilings from 121 to 125 at 31 March 1983 and 129 at 31 March 1984.
At the same time there will be management studies of the registry's functions and activities, including its information systems and computer needs. The studies will cover financial management, on the lines of Government's general initiative for larger departments. They will seek improvements in efficiency and so future savings in staff, which will he reflected in the registry's manpower levels in 1984–85.
The costs associated with the additional manpower and the management studies will also be reflected in the registry's estimate for 1983–84.