Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Maude of Horsham and Richard Fuller

Wednesday 30th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Maude]

As I say, there have been significant reductions. Productivity has improved and we believe that significantly more productivity can be gained. Current departmental plans show a continued reduction in the size of the civil service through to May 2015. We are finding different ways of doing things better with fewer people and at lower cost.

[Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con)]

Is it not absolutely right that the effectiveness of public services is more important than the number of civil servants who are employed? What measures is my right hon. Friend taking to measure the productivity of civil servants so they can no longer be a drag on our economy, but enhance it?

[Mr Maude]

At is best, the civil service is not a drag on the economy; it is an important component of the economy working successfully. The leadership of the civil service identified significant deficiencies in capability, which are now being addressed. Frankly, they had been left unaddressed for far too long. Urgent action is now being taken and we need to drive it through.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Maude of Horsham and Richard Fuller

Wednesday 14th December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Maude]

I can provide a detailed answer to the hon. Gentleman if he requires. If he is concerned about classified Government documents going amiss, I suggest he raises the matter with his right hon. Friend the shadow Health Secretary, who in 2009 had to apologise for leaving a briefcase full of classified Government documents on a train.

[Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con)]

5. What recent progress he has made in establishing Big Society Capital.