§ 39. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Food what administrative and financial economies have been effected in his Department as a result of the derationing of tea and sweets and of the closing of local food offices.
Dr. HillDerationing of tea has saved 375 staff, costing about £135,000 per annum. Derationing of sweets is expected to save about 610 staff, costing £217,000 per annum.
In the past 12 months, 398 local food offices have been closed. As their services to the public have been continued by other Departments on an agency basis, I cannot yet give an estimate of the net saving.
§ Sir I, FraserWill there not be a considerable saving to millions of housewives in no longer having to fiddle with coupons? Can my hon. Friend also say whether there has been any saving in the trade due to the non-filling in of forms and all that?
Dr. HillMy hon. Friend's Question related to the saving in the Department. There has, of course, been a substantial saving in the trade. In the case of sweets derationing, the saving has been 1,000 staff.
§ Mr. HastingsWill the hon. Gentleman keep in mind the desirability of retaining a skeleton service in case rationing has to be reimposed?
Dr. HillMy right hon. and gallant Friend is confident that we shall not repeat the catastrophe of 1949.