§ Q156. Mr. LathamTo ask the Prime Minister what progress is being made in achieving greater value for money within Government Departments; and whether she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government attach very high priority to getting better value for money from public expenditure and good progress is being made. Efficiency scrutinies have saved over £1.4 billion on a cumulative basis; and in the current year Departments aim to achieve value-for-money improvements in purchasing and supply totalling some £340 million, while market testing and contracting out is now saving some £40 million a year. The recent Public Expenditure White Paper provides many more examples of value-for-money improvements. Beyond this, we are creating agencies to improve efficiency in Executive activities on which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Privy Council Office announced 587W progress on 1 February, at column 237–239. Finally, we are continuing to improve output and performance measurement so that all Departments and managers can be set targets and be judged on the results that they achieve.