HC Deb 10 March 1942 vol 378 cc927-8
56. Captain W. T. Shaw

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the number of forms issued since the war began by Government Departments, to be filled up by civilians in connection with their domestic and business affairs; the approximate number of forms that have been filled up; the tonnage of paper involved; and the amount of storage space required for their safe custody?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

No, Sir. The compilation of the information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks would involve an expenditure of time and labour which I should not regard as justifiable. If he has in mind any particular form which he regards as open to criticism, perhaps he will let me know and I will make inquiries.

Captain Shaw

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that the filling-up of these forms by the civilian population, and also dealing with them in local government offices, where the staffs are much depleted, causes great difficulty and waste of time, and will he direct the attention of the Lord President of the Council to this matter, which is hindering the war effort?

Mr. Stokes

Will the Financial Secretary spend a week in my business and see how many forms have to be filled in?

Captain Crookshank

I think I could much better spend a week in my own business.