TRANSPORT MINISTRY

Press, Volume C, Issue 29625, 22 September 1961, Page 12

TRANSPORT MINISTRY

Opposition By Treasury (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Sept. 21. A Ministry of Transport would probably be so large that accommodation would be a “major problem,” Mr A B Taylor, deputy-Secre-tary to the Treasury, .told the Royal Commission on State Services today. There was a danger that a major and expert ministry might increase the pressure on limited investment resources, money and material. “It is not inconceivable that experts and enthusiasts would, instead of screening proposals, increase the total pressure on transport projects on national capital resources.” he said.

Referring to other proposals for the reorganisation and amalgamation of existing departments. Mr Taylor said the advantages claimed through the elimination of apparent duplication could be exaggerated. There were, he claimed, departments already suffering from loss of efficiency because of working in several different premises. “It is quite clear that controlling departments should be on the watch for possible improvements in over-all efficiency. and. similarly, there should be self-examina-tion within departments. “Any major change should, however, be based on increased efficiency. The final criterion must always be the necessity to get the work of government done to the required standard with the minimum use of resources,” he said.