§ Brigadier Raynerasked the Minister of Food if he will enumerate all the items of food on which his Department make a profit; and indicate the total and the amount per pound or per tin.
§ Mr. StracheyThe following table gives the information:
Commodity Estimated total profit in year to 31st March, 1949 unit Estimated average United Profit £'000 d. Canned fish 2,466 tin 4.2 Canned fruit 652 tin 3.4 Edible pulses 317 lb. 1.0 Dried fruit 400 lb. 0.3 Edible nuts 544 lb. 2.9 Fresh fruit and fruit pulp. 4,400 lb. 0.7 Fancy cheese 150 lb. 2.0 Refined oils and fats (other than for domestic use). 2,896 lb. 2.7 Rice 350 lb. 0.02 Coffee 466 lb. 1.1 Cocoa 1,606 lb. 1.6 Canned meat (other than canned corned meat). 1,585 lb. 4.4 Rabbits and hares 256 lb. 1.0 Poultry 86 lb. 0.6 It should be noted however that in some cases the profits were secured on 144W stocks bought at prices materially lower than present cost, and do not therefore represent the current rates of profit.