HC Deb 08 March 1948 vol 448 cc793-4
64. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Food how many of the 24,265 convictions obtained for food offences during 1947 were in respect of the making of incorrect returns, false in material particulars.

Dr. Summerskill

During 1947, 1,878 convictions were obtained for making false statements, which included false returns. The detailed figures are not available.

Sir T. Moore

Since most of these returns are either redundant or senseless, why are these 1,878 unfortunate shopkeepers harassed by this unnecessary work, which lands them into convictions?

Dr. Summerskill

The keeping of records is one of the most essential features of any control system.

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