§ 56. Major M'KENZIE WOODasked the Food Controller what is the profit per pound on hides sold under the direction of the Ministry of Food, and the total gross proceeds of these sales?
Mr. ROBERTSThe average profit per pound on hides sold under the direction of the Ministry of Food is approximately 4½d. per pound, the amount varies with the quality of the hides, and it is impossible to give an exact figure without considerable labour. I am unable to give an accurate estimate of the total gross proceeds of these sales. These profits are utilised in the reduction of the price of meat to the consumer and accrue to the Ministry of Food instead of to the butcher. The arrangement further involves no loss to the farmers, since the value of the hide is included in the guaranteed prices for cattle.