asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the necessity of accurate statistical information with regard to food production, he will consider devising a more satisfactory system of collecting the necessary data.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food-Production Statistics.
The need for securing accurate information in regard to food production, especially at the present time, is fully appreciated. The method of collecting agricultural statistics is based on very long experience as this country was one of the pioneers in gathering such statistics and is still in advance of most countries in the method of collection. The statistics of acreage and yield of crop and of the numbers of livestock are based on detailed returns which are subject to check for accuracy. An extended system of checking is under consideration so that the maximum accuracy practicable may be obtained.