asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which Departments have reduced the size and cost of their regional organisation during the last year; and what is the total saving.

The Departments which reduced the size and cost of their regional organisation during the year ended 31st March, 1954, are Admiralty, Central Land Board and War Damage Commission, Central Office of Information, National Assistance Board, Board of Trade and the Ministries of Food, Fuel and Power, Housing and Local Government, Labour and National Service, Supply and Works. The saving amounts to 2,022 in staff and about £977,000 a year in money.

Can we repeat the same good work in the coming year?

Are not some of these regional organisations to be closed down entirely? What effect is that likely to have on the efficient administration of Government Departments?

The Question relates to Departments which reduced their size in the past year. If the hon. Gentleman wants information about future proposals, perhaps he would be good enough to put a Question on the Paper.