asked the Minister for the Public Service if he is satisfied with the overall efficiency of the public service; the size and cost of the public service relative to the private sector; and if he will inform the House of the changes he intends to introduce to improve the efficiency of the public service if he is not satisfied with it.

The total number at work nationally in 1984, the last year for which statistics have been published, was 1.11 million and the total for wages and salaries was £8,864 million. In the same year there were about 195,000 employed in the areas covered by the Exchequer pay bill and the bill itself amounted to £2,319 million. The only area covered by the Exchequer pay bill for which I have direct responsibility is the Civil Service.

I could not say that I am satisfied with the overall efficiency of the Civil Service in the sense that, like most other people, I could not accept that the level of efficiency in the service is such that it cannot be improved. I would, however, acknowledge the improvements which have taken place and confirm that steps are being taken and will continue to be taken to bring about further improvements. Changes which are intended to be introduced are set out in the White Paper, "Serving the Country Better".