§ 9. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a decennial census of distribution is in operation in Canada and the United States of America with the object of providing manufacturers of commodities with an indication of the requirements of the home consumer; and whether he will consider initiating a similar census in this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANOne census of distribution has been taken in Canada and three in the United States. The answer to the second part of the question is in 200 the negative. It is doubtful whether the results of a census would be of a value commensurate with the cost.
§ Mr. DAVIESIn view of the fact that we have in this country a census in respect of production of almost every commodity, and also in view of the fact that distribution is the biggest industry in the land, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time that we had some knowledge about distribution?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe hon. Member knows how very complicated and widespread are all the means of distribution, and he will realise from that alone what a very serious undertaking it would be to embark upon a census of distribution which might not have any value attached to it.
§ Mr. DAVIESDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to imply that his Department cannot take a census of distribution?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, but that the cost would not make it worth while.
§ Mr. MABANEHas it not been frequently said that distribution is at the root of all our problems, and that it is impossible to understand the distribution problem unless a census is taken? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to agree to the proposal of the hon. Member?