HC Deb 10 December 1985 vol 88 cc574-5W
Mr. Thurnham

asked the Prime Minister what plans she has to increase the efficiency of Government Departments.

The Prime Minister

I and all my colleagues are determined to get better value for every single pound of the taxpayers' money. This means making essential services better and reducing costs.

We are continuing and strengthening the programme of financial management and personnel reforms. With the help of Sir Robin Ibbs, Ministers are setting value for money targets as a means to secure improvements. The Efficiency Unit is currently studying how targets can be best used in departments.

There is a strong programme of efficiency scrutinies being carried out in association with Sir Robin Ibbs and the Efficiency Unit this financial year. The programme so far is as follows: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  • Administration of policies for the protection of agricultural land
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise
  • Legal Services and the Solicitor's Office
 Ministry of Defence
  • Ship acceptance procedures
  • Ammunition Procurement
 Department of Education and Science
  • Architects and Building Branch
  • Efficiency in public sector Higher Education
 Department of Employment
  • Handling of European Social Fund Business
  • Use of Paper in (MSC)
  • Community Programme (DE and MSC)
 Department of the Environment
  • Speeding Planning Appeals
  • Slum Clearance Grant
  • Co-ordination arrangements for environmentally related research
 Joint DOE/DE
  • Arrangements for the control and inspection of pollution and hazardous waste
 Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  • Output measurement
  • Security of missions
 Department of Health and Social Security
  • "Liable relatives" procedures
  • "Agency" benefit arrangements for low income families
  • Legal Services
 Cabinet Office (MPO)
  • Occupational Health Services provided by Civil Service
 DHSS (Northern Ireland)
  • Balance of health and social care
 Office of Arts and Libraries
  • British Library Preservation Service
 Property Services Agency
  • Identification, management and disposal of surplus space and land
 Scottish Office
  • Central Advisory Service (Social Work)

A number of further candidates are being discussed with Departments.

I and my ministerial colleagues are determined to keep up the momentum for improving value for money, which we have established so strongly.