HC Deb 05 May 1953 vol 515 cc187-8
19. Mr. M. Lindsay

asked the President of the Board of Trade what new steps he is taking to reduce the requirements of the Census of Production in order to secure economy of effort both in industry and in his Department.

Mr. H. Strauss

My right hon. Friend has appointed a committee, including representatives of both sides of industry, to advise him about future policy in regard to the taking of censuses of production and distribution and to make recommendations. I am glad to say that Mr. W. R. Verdon Smith has agreed to be Chairman of this Committee, which will hold its first meeting in the near future. With permission, I will circulate the full membership of the Committee in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Lindsay

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the Census as it is at present is a very real burden upon industry, particularly upon the small firms, and therefore any work of this Committee which is likely to result in any diminution in the requirements of the Census will be greatly welcomed?

Mr. Gaitskell

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman also bear in mind that the information available to the American Government is far greater than that available to our own in these industrial matters? Will he make sure that, as a result of this Committee, we do not cut down still further the information available?

Mr. Strauss

I think the two supplementary questions illustrate what I hope is the universal view of the House—first, that adequate statistical information is very important and, secondly, that it should be secured with a minimum of interference and with economy of effort on the part of both industry and the Board of Trade.

The following have been appointed members of the Committee:

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