asked the Minister of Information whether questions on the adequacy of, and manner of dealing with, applications for supplementary old age pensions have been, or will be included in the investigations of the social survey conducted by his Department?

Mr. Cooper:

No, Sir.

In view of the considerable information which is apparently in the possession of Members of Parliament on this subject, and which Members think ought to be brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government, will the right hon. Gentleman put some of these questions to his inquisitors who are now going round to try and find out this information?

Mr. Cooper:

This is a matter which concerns another Department of State, and I should not take any steps to interfere with its work.

On what basis are these social surveys carried out? Who sets the questions on which the people go round to find out information?

Mr. Cooper:

All that was very fully explained in the statement which was made a fortnight ago, and I cannot go into the whole facts now.

Is it not a fact that the Minister's "snoopers" would not get through one street a day if they were inquiring about old age pensions?

asked the Minister of Information whether he will make arrangements for hon. Members interested to have an opportunity of meeting the investigators in the employ of the Wartime Social Survey?

Mr. Cooper:

As I have explained to the House, these investigators are not appointed by the Ministry of Information, but I should be glad to put the hon. Member in touch with the senior officials of the War-time Social Survey.

Is that invitation extended to any Members of the House who may desire to meet them?

Mr. Cooper:

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Information whether the house-to-house investigations conducted by his Department have yet been completed; whether a report on the findings will be issued; and, if so, when?

Mr. Cooper:

War-time Social Survey makes continuous surveys, and the results are, as I have already said, available to Members at the Ministry of Information.