§ 82. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food the total cost of the recent issue of new ration books; and if he will give particulars of the cost of the number of persons employed, for how long, including overtime, and the cost of printing and paper.
§ Mr. F. WilleyRation book distribution began on 17th April and will continue until 20th May. I therefore cannot give the final cost, but I estimate that it will be about £675,000. Of this sum the cost of casual staff (taken on for three to five weeks) will be about £320,000 including overtime, and that of printing and paper about £150,000. Other expenses include the pay of regular staff temporarily used on this work and the cost of advertising and extra accommodation.