HC Deb 26 October 1953 vol 518 cc2437-8
49. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Food if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the result of the survey conducted by his Department amongst British housewives regarding their preference in respect of British and Norwegian margarine.

Dr. Hill

The survey was conducted not by my Department, but by a private market research organisation employed by margarine manufacturers. The results could not, therefore, be published without their permission. The knowledge derived from the survey will be useful when manufacturers are free to cater for the individual preferences of customers.

Mrs. Mann

Was not the survey undertaken at the behest of the Department? Who, otherwise, instructed them to undertake this survey? In view of the fact that the Minister previously stated that housewives thought that Norwegian margarine had a sour milk taste, does the hon. Gentleman not think it is time to make the amende honourable to Norway?

Dr. Hill

May I say to the hon. Lady that a good deal of the credit for this inquiry having been undertaken, and the useful results achieved, belong to her for her persistence in this matter. The inquiry was undertaken at our suggestion, following the representations by the hon. Lady, but it was undertaken by an external body at their own expense. I will convey to them the suggestion which she embodies in her Question.

Mr. Hamilton

Has the Parliamentary Secretary sought the permission of this private organisation to publish the results of their findings?

Dr. Hill

No, Sir. I would make the general point that the only way of giving expression to consumer preference in this and other matters is by a return to freedom

Mrs. Mann

As a small reward, could I have a little Norwegian margarine?

50. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Food how soon he intends to increase the margarine ration; and if he can give an assurance that the ration will contain margarine in keeping with British housewives' preference.

Dr. Hill

As announced last week, the margarine ration will be increased to 5 oz. from 1st November. In regard to the second part of the Question, margarine must continue to be of a standard quality so long as the present controls remain.