Central Office of Information

HC Deb 20 February 1951 vol 484 c1063

62. Mr. Turton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount disbursed by the 71 full- and part-time investigators of the Central Office of Information in the form of payments for replies to their questions on the present cost of the household budget; and under what authority he sanctions these payments from Exchequer funds.

Mr. Gaitskell

A sum of £550. The expenditure is met from the Vote of the Central Office of Information.

Mr. Turton

Will the right hon. Gentleman state under what authority it is done? Are there any precedents for this principle of "having a go" and handing out money in answer to questions?

Mr. Gaitskell

Yes, Sir. In 1937 payments were made by the Ministry of Labour to householders giving budgetary information at that time.