The number of honorary food executive officers on 1st January, 1947, was 516. The honorarium paid to these officers ranges from £50 to £150 a year, and the total payment so made is approximately £35,000 a year. The honorary food executive officer is a part-time official and is the senior officer of the Ministry of Food in the local food office and the chief officer of the food control committee. He is responsible for the organisation and work of the food office and for the efficient carrying out of the Ministry's instructions.