§ 50. Sir Robert Birdasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in the recent costings inquiry by his Department on the production of bread a charge for management was excluded from the computations in respect of small bakers but was included in respect of large producers and amplified to embrace distribution charges; and will he instruct his Department that, in the costings inquiry now in progress; all overhead charges necessary for a comparison which is basically sound shall be included?
§ Mr. MabaneIn computing the costs of the small baker full allowance was made for the services of the proprietor and his family while engaged upon work in the bakehouse, in the shop and on delivery, but no allowance was made for management. The investigation showed, however, that the average margin earned by small bakers was sufficient to cover an adequate management allowance and leave, in addition, a reasonable margin of profit. The form the fresh inquiry will take will no doubt be the subject of consultation between the National Association and my Department.