HC Deb 29 November 1956 vol 561 cc564-5
28. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the dates between which the National Survey of Domestic Food Consumption during 1955 was taken; and when the result of the Survey is likely to be published.

Mr. Amory

In 1955 the National Food Survey was in operation throughout the year, except during the General Election campaign from 10th May to 31st May and the Christmas holiday. The National Food Survey Committee expects to complete its Report for 1955 in January next, and publication will follow as soon as printing can be completed.

Mr. Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman surprised that he can give an Answer to this Question on Thursday, whereas his hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary, in what I think was an attempt to hoodwink the House, refused to give this information when we were discussing the Bread Order on Monday night? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it unfair to the House to produce in December, 1956, statistics covering the early part of 1955 in order to justify a Bread Order?

Mr. Amory

No, my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary on that occasion quoted figures from the 1955 National Food Survey. In the case of bread, of which the consumption does not vary much, those figures are relevant to the present day. As to the publication of the National Food Survey, over the last two or three years we have been gradually catching up the leeway. This survey, which cannot be completed until after the end of the year to which it applies of course, is published just as soon as it can be got out and the printing done.

Mr. Willey

Will the right hon. Gentleman have a word with his Joint Parliamentary Secretary about this in order to stop the objectionable practice of quoting from documents which have not yet been published? In view of the information being available to the Joint Parliamentary Secretary, will the Minister say whether he can expedite publication, so that the House may have the information also?

Mr. Amory

To reply to the first part of that supplementary question, I think it best for the Minister to produce the latest relevant information at his disposal for the assistance of the House. In reply to the second part, I agree that this Food Survey comes out too late after the end of the year to which it applies. I repeat that in the last two or three years we have been gradually catching up, but I shall not be satisfied until it is published within six months of the end of the year to which it applies.