HC Deb 07 April 1930 vol 237 c1765
40. Mr. BLINDELL

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received complaints as to the accuracy of reports supplied by the Ministry's crop reporters and published by his Department; whether this has been investigated; and will he state the procedure adopted in order to ensure that every report published by the Ministry as to stocks held by farmers is substantially correct?

Mr. N. BUXTON

As regards the general information furnished by crop reporters, criticisms are occasionally made, and invariably receive the fullest investigation. Generally speaking, I am satisfied that the information provided by crop reporters, and published by the Ministry, is substantially correct, but, if the hon. Member has any specific case in mind, I shall be glad to give the matter careful consideration. If the hon. Member's question refers solely to the estimates of stocks remaining on farms on 1st January and 1st April, I am not aware of any complaints as to their accuracy. Every care is taken to ensure that the crop reporters employed are fully qualified to submit reliable estimates.