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.