HC Deb 11 September 1942 vol 383 cc502-3
10. Sir John Mellor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what part of the 27s. 6d. per week, referred to in Command Paper 6385 as the charge for lodging and partial board in a typical Government hostel, represents profit; and what items are included in estimating cost?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

As my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend on 8th September, the charge in a Government hostel is based, not on costs in the hostel, but on the payments which munition workers customarily make for board and lodging in munitions areas. The conception of profit, therefore, does not arise.

Sir J. Mellor

As the Chancellor of the Exchequer distinguished this figure from billeting payments, on the ground that it is a commercial figure, is it fair to include an element of profit in estimating the value of the board and lodging provided for the Services? Would it not be much better to take the billeting payment as the appropriate figure?

Captain Crookshank

No, Sir.