§ 46. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Minister of Food how many persons are engaged in the present Food Survey in calling on housewives and taking records of what each household eats; how many persons are engaged on administration of this scheme; and what is its total cost per annum.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)No officers of my Ministry are so engaged. This work is 'undertaken under contract by market research agencies. Within the Ministry, in addition to a small clerical staff, nine persons are engaged on the administration of the survey work, and the analysis and interpretation of the data. Total expenditure on the projected food surveys in 1946/47.is estimated at £135,000.
§ Mr. ChurchillWould the right hon. Gentleman state the number of persons in the clerical staff?
§ Mr. StracheyI am afraid I would have to have notice in regard to the Ministry of Food, but I can get the information.
§ Mr. ShepherdWill the right hon. Gentleman state the justification for this expense, in view of the fact that he must know today, more than at any other time, what families are eating? Does he realise what annoyance it is causing to the housewife?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir, we regard this consumer research as of vital importance. In doing so—hon Members opposite may like to take note of this—we are, following the example of all the largest and most enlightened business firms