§ 56. Mr. Albuasked the Minister of Food whether, before sweets were de-rationed, his Department carried out any survey to ascertain potential consumer demand.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo such survey was carried out by my Department. But the manufacturers have always operated consumer surveys, and the information derived from recent surveys appeared to indicate that with the higher quantity of ingredients which we could give them they would be able to meet the demand at present prices.
§ Mr. AlbuIn view of the apparently unsatisfactory nature of the survey, and also of the changing nature of the demands and the distribution of national income, would my right hon. Friend in future consider using the services of the Social Survey before de-rationing any further commodities?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe always use the service which we think is appropriate.