§ 80. Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Census of Production questionnaire has aroused opposition in the printing trade because of the large number of questions asked; that his willingness to accept estimates where accurate figures are not available seriously reduces the value of the census; and if he will consult the trade with a view to issuing a simpler and less detailed form.
§ Mr. BelcherThis matter was discussed with representatives of the British Federation of Master Printers last week. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the circular issued by the Federation to their members following the meeting, from which he will see that firms employing under 50 persons are being permitted to complete the short form originally designed for firms employing not more than 50 persons. This has been practicable for 1946 in view of the general nature of the output of these firms. The inclusion of estimates based on experience does not reduce the value of a census to any appreciable extent, though recorded figures are, of course, better.