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Statistical Returns (Cost)

Volume 498: debated on Thursday 3 April 1952

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50.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the full cost of collecting quarterly agricultural returns; and what was the cost of 4th June returns in 1938.

A large part of this work is carried out, as it was in 1938, by staff who are mainly employed on other duties. I regret therefore that estimates of the cost of collection are not available.

Does not my hon. Friend consider that the time has arrived when quarterly returns are unnecessary and that half-yearly returns would provide him with all the information he requires?

No, Sir. In the opinion of my right hon. and gallant Friend, the collection of quarterly returns is essential for the carrying out of our present farming policy.

May I ask how many returns are still outstanding eight weeks after Quarter Day has passed?

That is another question, and if my hon. Friend will put it on the Order Paper I will give him an answer.

51.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number employed by the statistical branch of his Department; and what was the number employed in the same branch in 1938.

There are 265 staff employed full-time in my right hon. and gallant Friend's Department on agricultural statistics, and 350 county staff employed for a small part of their time. In 1938 the number of staff employed full-time on such work was 51; there were also about 220 clerks employed for a few months each year and 305 part-time crop reporters.

May I ask if that includes staff employed down to district offices below county level?

Does that answer mean that none of the returns required from agriculturists in the country are ever to be reduced?

The only implication in that answer is that quarterly agricultural returns continue to be essential.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that in the inter-war years statistical returns were of little or no value, since there was no consideration at all given to agriculture, and unless the statistics were made available it would be quite impossible for the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to carry out his policy?

If the system of quarterly returns were abandoned, could the figures of staff be reduced even below the figure before the war?

I have already said that the collection of quarterly returns really is essential to carry out the present agricultural policy.