A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46

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SECRET
HOME INTELLIGENCE DIVISION
APPENDIX
British Institute of Public Opinion Results
For internal circulation only

The following results of a survey made in the second week of June, 1943, have just been received. The survey was not sponsored by the Home Intelligence Division.

1. The Government's conduct of the war

Q: “Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the Government's conduct of the war?”

Satisfied Dissatisfied Don't know
% % %
75 13 12

Comments :

1. This result shows no significant difference from that obtained in April 1943. The high level of satisfaction has remained steady since November 1942. Before that the percentage satisfied varied from about 40% to about 50%.

2. As usual, breakdowns show that satisfaction increases with age and income, and vice versa.

2. The Prime Minister

Q: “Do you approve or dissapprove of Mr. Churchill as Prime Minister?”

Yes No Don't know
% % %
93 4 3

Comments :

1. This result (93% Yes) is equal to the highest previous figure - in December 1943.

2. Sex, age, and economic breakdowns show no significant difference.

3. The end of the War

Q: “Do you think that the war will actually and this year?”

Yes No Don't know
% % %
14 69 17

Comment :

Breakdown of results show no significant differences, except in the case of women and the lower income groups, both of whom have a higher proportion saying “Don't know”.

4. A State-run Medical Service

Q: “Do you think that a State-run medical service would, or would not be beneficial to the nation as a whole?”

Yes No Don't know
% % %
Total: 70 17 13
Men 73 16 11
Women 68 17 15
Age group:
21 - 29 71 14 15
30 - 49 71 18 11
50 and over 68 17 15
Economic groups:
Higher 56 32 12
Middle 70 22 8
Lower 71 14 15

Spontaneous reasons given for choice

In favour

1. It would do away with preferential treatment. Specialist medical attention would then be available for all, and everybody would benefit. The poorer classes in particular would get treatment that they cannot now afford.

2. The measure is very necessary and long overdue.

3. A public service is good in principle and would certainly improve on the present system. Hospitals should not be dependent on charity.

Against

1. We've had enough of panels. Private patients are better looked after.

2. It is better to have competition. State services are unsatisfactory.

3. Things are all right as they are.

Comment .

The question is on a “State-run” medical service. No views are expressed or asked for on whether the service should be run by local authorities, the central government, or a health Corporation.

5. Stores, small shops, and Co-operatives

Q: “Are you registered with small shops, with a chain store, or a co-operative society?”

Shop Store Co-op
% % %
Total: 21 52 35
Economic groups:
Higher 24 63 17
Middle 26 58 23
Lower 20 49 39

Comment

The total adds up to more than 100% because some people were registered with more than one type of shop

Q: “Which, in general, do you think gives the best service to the customer?”

Shop Store Co-op
% % %
Total: 20 53 27
Men 17 53 30
Women 22 53 25
Economic groups:
Higher 27 63 10
Middle 24 58 18
Lower 19 49 32

6. Double summer time after the war

Q: “Would you like to see Double Summer Time continued after the war?”

Yes No Don't know
% % %
Total: 44 48 8
Men 43 51 6
Women 45 46 9
Age groups:
21 - 29 52 41 7
30 - 49 45 48 7
50 and over 40 52 8
Economic groups :
Higher 48 44 8
Middle 49 46 5
Lower 43 49 8
Regional groups :
London and S.E. 43 49 8
South West 45 50 5
Midlands 42 47 11
Northern 44 48 8
South Wales 42 57 1
North and Central Wales 28 72 -
Scotland 52 41 7

Spontaneous reasons given for choice

Against

1. One hour in enough

2. The day seems too long

3. It interferes with sleep and health

4. Means getting up in the dark

5. Is bad for children

6. Is bad for farmers

7. It's unnatural

In favour

1. The more daylight the better

2. Saves fires

3. More time for gardening and recreation

4. It's good for workers

Comments :

1. Younger people, the higher and middle economic groups, and people in Scotland have a majority in favour.

2. No breakdown as between town and county is given, but in the one predominantly rural group - North and Central Wales - the majority against is about 20% higher than elsewhere.

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