HC Deb 20 June 1932 vol 267 cc764-5
40. Sir PERCY HURD

asked the Minister of Health, for the year 1913 and the latest available year, respectively, the number of forms sent by his Ministry to local authorities for the purposes of returns, and, approximately, the staff employed in dealing with these forms and returns?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Ernest Brown)

The number of forms sent to local authorities for the purposes of returns was approximately 38 in 1913, and 47 in 1931. My right hon. Friend regrets that it is not practicable to give even an approximate figure of the number of staff specifically engaged on these returns, as they are dealt with in the various divisions of the Ministry in conjunction with other work.

Sir P. HURD

Can the hon. Member tell me what becomes of this mass of material that comes in from all over the country?

Mr. BROWN

A good deal of it is used in order to supply answers to questions put by Members of Parliament.

Sir P. HURD

Is that felt to be wholly in the public interest?

Mr. BROWN

Hon. Members must be the best judges of that.

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