§ 7. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture what weight of paper was used in 1938 for the production of agricultural returns; and what weight of paper was used for the same purpose in 1951.
§ Sir T. DugdaleAbout 28 tons in each year.
§ Mr. CrouchHow is it possible to produce four documents when only one was produced formerly and still use only the same amount of paper?
§ Sir T. DugdaleWhile the number of returns called for from all occupiers is no larger than it was in 1938, there has been substantial economy in the use of paper by printing the forms more closely, and in many other ways.
§ Mr. G. WilliamsDoes the Minister realise that these forms need to be cut down? Is he aware that a farmer filled in a form saying that he had 2,000 acres when he had only 200, and that he had a herd of wapiti on his place, 200 zebras and two giraffes, yet no notice was taken by the Ministry of Agriculture?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCan the Minister say by how much he estimates that the quantity of paper will be reduced in 1952 compared with 1951?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI cannot answer that question at this stage.