§ Mr. Maplesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken by his Department since May 1979 to improve its efficiency; what has been the result; what further steps are currently being taken to improve efficiency; what the results are expected to be; and what output criteria have been developed by his Department to help measure its efficiency.
§ Mr. YoungerSince May 1979 my Department has undertaken or participated in 10 efficiency reviews and scrutinies concerning:
- The future of the consultative committee on the curriculum
- The Scottish Development Department's advisory and monitoring functions in respect of local planning authorities
- Government statistical services in Scotland
- Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools
- Fisheries research and development
- Prisons resource control
- Personnel work
- The publicity role of the Scottish information office
- Departmental consultancy, inspection and review capabilities
- The means of identifying managerial talent within the Civil Service (yet to be completed)
The reviews have led to a saving of 90 posts in total, and annual savings of the order of £1.3 million.
These reviews are part of a continuing programme of work designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of my Department — through, for example, staff inspection and the work of the management services unit —which has contributed to the reduction of over 16 per cent. in the staff of the Scottish Office since May 1979.
For the future, a main element in our plans for achieving greater efficiency is the financial management initiative which will make managers more aware of, and accountable for, the resources they use and the results they achieve.
The Scottish Office is actively developing performance indicators and output measures in a number of different areas of work. As can be seen from the commentary on the "Scottish Programme for Public Expenditure to 1986–87",a copy of which is in the Library, substantial progress as already been made in the clearer definition of programme objectives and in the development and wider use of output measures and investment appraisal in relation to public expenditure.