§ 30. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food how many copies of forms BMW 1, BMW 1a, BMW 2(1948)M and BMW 3 have been distributed in connection with the new rationing year; what was the weight of paper involved, including envelopes; and what was the cost to the taxpayer.
§ Mr. StracheyDistribution to employers is still going on, but with permission I will circulate statistics of the quantity sent to division and local food offices.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the issue of these unnecessary forms an attempt by the Minister to implement the policy he once is reported to have laid down, when he said:
Let us devote intense efforts this winter to the building up of the Communist Party precisely because that is the one way by which we can ensure the immediate revival of the Labour Party.
§ Mr. SpeakerWhat has that to do with the Question, which only asks how many copies of certain forms have been distributed and at what cost to the taxpayer? I read a very long statement the other 1823 day about inferences and imputations. The hon. Member seems to go very wide of that Ruling.
§ Following is the information:
- Form B.M.W. 1–2 million.
- Form B.M.W. 1A.—1 million.
- Form B.M.W. 2–17¾ million.
- Form B.M.W. 3–1¾ million.
- Weight of paper—43 tons.
- Cost—£4,051 (excluding costs of postage or delivery which cannot be assessed).