HC Deb 21 March 1963 vol 674 c83W
38. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the information needed to make a reliable estimate of the financial loss to the nation caused by prolonged periods of snow and ice is not available; and if he will ensure that in future it is.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Because it would be necessary to make elaborate and detailed inquiries, not only from all Government Departments and public and local authorities but also from individual firms and individuals engaged in industry, commerce and agriculture. Even then it would be to some extent a matter of opinion as to the extent to which the losses in question resulted from the weather rather than from other causes.