HC Deb 11 December 1941 vol 376 cc1670-1
49. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any information about the extent of the current distribution of his Department's leaflets?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

The current rate of distribution is over 170,000 leaflets a week, 27,000 to individual applicants and over 143,000 in bulk consignments. Leaflets in bulk are sent to a large number of organisations throughout the country for distribution by them to individuals and I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement indicating their distribution during the past six weeks.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Can my right hon. Friend give the House any information as to the extent to which the advice and information contained in these leaflets have been taken advantage of?

Mr. Hudson

I hope that the very large increase compared with last year in the circulation of these leaflets is an indication that people are anxious to take advantage of the most recent advice available.

Following is the statement:

Analysis of Bulk Issues of Leaflets.
Six weeks to 5th December, 1941.
Agricultural Organisers 35,070
Army, etc. Units 4,130
Chemists 76,215
Co-operative Societies 8,150
Electricity Companies 7,250
Fertiliser Companies 2,000
Gas Companies 28,950
Horticultural and Allotment Societies 156,230
Inspectorate (Ministry's) 4,775
Libraries 4,900
Local Authorities, including Town Clerks and Park Superintendents 180,490
Market Stalls (Ministry's) 6,800
Museums 200
National Garden Club 23,000
Government Departments 25,000
Police 910
Poultry Societies 3,300
Produce Committees 3,850
Royal Horticultural Society 450
Schools 18,690
Seed Merchants 248,170
Rural Community Councils 1,000
University Departments 1,150
Veterinary Laboratory (Ministry's) 280
War Agricultural Executive Committees 11,050
Women's Institutes 5,490
Women's Voluntary Services 300
Miscellaneous 3,950
Totals 861,750