§ 31. Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Defence what further action he is taking to control the total running costs of his Department.
§ Mr. ButlerWe have made clear our intention to reduce the running costs of the Department. This is being achieved by such means as changes in organisation and working practices, the contractorisation of tasks and a continuing process of review and cost monitoring. I would refer my hon. Friend to chapter 2 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1984" and also to the reply given by my predecessor to my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Maples) on 10 July, at column 449, where some of these measures— and the resultant benefits— are noted. The reorganisation of the Department, which was announced in Cmnd. 9315, will come into effect on 2 January 1985.