CO129-572-13 Proposed reorganisation of control over purchase and maintenance of Government stores 4-3-1938 - 28-4-1938 — Page 9

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A further advantage in the establishment of

a separate stores department would be that the head of it

might in time be expected to effect improvements in the

store keeping organization of individual departments;

at present there is great divergence as regards training,

salary and conditions of service among the various grades

of storekeepers.

7. I propose therefore, firstly, that the stores

work should now be removed from the Public Works Department,

so putting into effect the policy approved by Sir R. E.

Stubbs fifteen years ago and carrying to a logical

conclusion the developments which have taken place in recent years, and, secondly, that a Stores Branch of the Treasury

should be created to do that work. The Branch would be

controlled by an officer bearing the title Controller of

Stores under the direct supervision of the Financial Secretary

Reorganization on this basis appears to be in the spirit of

the general recast of financial control which is now

taking place, the stores coming under the control of a

technical officer under the supervision of the financial

branch of the Secretariat just as accounting work is placed

under the cortrol of a technical officer, the Accountant-

General, under the same control. The Controller of Stores

would be in charge of the Government Furniture Shop, which

manufactures an increasing proportion of the furniture

supplies for Government offices and quarters, and of the Sand Monopoly. Both these are at present under the Superintendent of Accounts and Stores, Public Works

Department.

8. i propose that the new post of Controller of Stores should carry a salary of £900-£1050 per annum rising

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