HC Deb 12 July 1984 vol 63 c653W
Mr. Neale

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what progress has been made on increasing the value for money provided by the Government statistical services along the lines indicated by the White Paper Government Statistical Services, (Cmnd. 8236).

Mr. Hayhoe

The system of statistical budgets set up by the head of the Government statistical service to manage the resources of the statistics directorates has made statisticians fully aware of their costs and benefits. This has stimulated them to seek greater efficiency and value for money in the collection of data and the provision of statistical advice.

By April 1984 the annual savings on staff and administration costs were already £3 million above the target of £26½ million given in the White Paper and there are still more savings to come. The form-filling burden has also been substantially reduced.

These achievements reflect great credit upon the members of the service, who are continuing to concentrate on ensuring that they give good value for money.

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