HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 cc510-1
68. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Food in what capacity the 750 members of his staff, who were engaged on the administration of bread rationing, are now employed.

Mr. Strachey

Those who remain are employed on the day to day work of food control. During this year the staffs of the local food offices have, in fact, been reduced, not by 750, but by 1,003.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the vital necessity for increased production, and at competitive prices, why cannot the Minister put more of these unnecessary bureaucrats into productive employment?

Mr. Mikardo

Can the Minister tell us whether any of these 750 persons are employed in counteracting the mischief caused by the constant misrepresentations of the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers)?

Mr. Strachey

I think that my hon. Friend over-estimates the influence of the hon. Member opposite.