HC Deb 04 February 1953 vol 510 cc1842-3
41. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Food whether, as the survey system used to determine ration take-up covers only a cross-section of the community, he will ask the Old Age Pensioners' Association for detailed information as to the take-up of rationed foods by old age pensioners.

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir. The National Food Survey already obtains detailed information on the take-up of all foods by a representative sample of old age pensioners.

Miss Burton

Is the Minister aware that the country will assume from his reply that he is afraid to go to the Old Age Pensioners' Association? If I send to him this letter which I have here from the general secretary, will the Minister—if he is not afraid—issue a public reply to it?

Major Lloyd George

In the first place there is no reason whatever why I should be afraid, because the position of old age pensioners is better this year than it was under the former Administration. The Survey which right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite were happy to use when they were in office, but which they are not so happy about now because it does not suit their figures, is taken at random over a much wider cross-section of old-age pensioners than the Association can cover. Every quarter the household budgets of at least 200 different old age pensioners are examined.

Mr. T. Brown

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman if his Department will confirm or deny the truth of the detailed information already in his possession regarding this matter?

Major Lloyd George

I do not know what the hon. Member is referring to, and therefore I cannot confirm or deny it.

Mr. T. Brown

May I ask the Minister if he will make inquiries in his Department as to whether they have received the detailed information already supplied by the Old Age Pensioners' Association?

Major Lloyd George

I have no doubt about that, but I am stating what I like to think is a fact, that the information provided by the National Survey is more accurate.

Sir W. Smithers

With regard to this and other questions on this subject, may I ask the Minister when he and the country will realise that controls are the cause of shortage?