HC Deb 26 June 1941 vol 372 cc1118-9W
Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that his farm survey contains a large proportion of questions which have no connection with food production during the war, he can state the object for which it is being made; and, as it will entail a large amount of work for agricultural committees, will he consider postponing the survey until after the war?

Mr. Hudson

The Farm Survey has a two-fold object—to assist in the prosecution of the war and at the same time to collect information for use in the preparation of our post-war agricultural policy. I do not agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that the proportion of questions which have no connection with food production during war time is large but certain questions are intended to relate to long-term considerations. The survey made in a great hurry last year has proved of inestimable value to our food production campaign. It would in any case have been necessary to revise it and bring it up to date this year. I felt that the opportunity it provided for collecting additional information of a more general character should not be missed. I cannot agree to the postponement of the survey until after the war. What I am most anxious to avoid is that we should reach the post-war period of reconstruction without that body of factual information which to-day is non-existent and which in my view, is essential to the formulation of an equitable and stable post-war agricultural policy.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of officials who will be employed in making his farm survey, and in making extracts and summaries of it?

Mr. Hudson

I regret that I have no precise information about the number of officials who will be engaged on the field work of the survey. This work will be carried out by officers and agents of county war agricultural executive committees, and in many cases will be fitted in with other work. The number of staff engaged in compiling and summarising the information will be about 50.