HC Deb 08 July 1942 vol 381 cc766-7
43. Mr. Banfield

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the percentage of small bakers who may show a loss in trading by the withdrawal, except for 2s. per sack on the first eight sacks, of the supplementary bread subsidy; and how many will be working on a small margin of profit?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)

The recent inquiry, covering 249 bakers in England and Wales using less than 25 sacks a week, shows that when appropriate adjustments have been made for the alteration in the rate of the bread subsidy, six of the cases would show losses and 13 would show profits of less than 4s. per sack of flour made into bread.

Mr. Banfield

Will the hon. Gentleman go into the matter again? Is he aware that a small baker, doing 10 sacks of flour a week, can only get 7s. a sack profit on the Ministry's showing, which gives a return of £3 10s.? If he has a wife and family, how is he to live on it?

Mr. Mabane

I think the hon. Member knows that the matter is being examined.

Mr. Banfield

Will the hon. Gentleman consider this point, too? Why does he give a subsidy which is absolutely unnecessary to the large bakers, who should not require anything at all or get anything at all?

Mr. Mabane

As I indicated last week, the costings already taken showed that there is no need for a subsidy at all.

Mr. Banfield

Surely the hon. Gentleman can see that there is need for a subsidy for the small baker?