§ Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Food Controller the average difference between the prices paid for bacon in the United States of America and the prices charged for it to consumers in this country, and if such difference exceeds the average charges actually incurred?
§ Mr. CLYNESAny calculation as to averages is apt to be misleading, but I understand that the difference between the prices paid for bacon in the United States and the prices charged for it to consumers in this country amounts approximately to 16½ per cent. on the average value of the goods. This difference is absorbed by charges incurred for freight, war and marine insurance, handling charges, commission and brokerage claims for loss in weight and defective condition, reduction in the price of certain cuts, and establishment charges.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Food Controller how much the Ministry of Food adds to the cost of imported bacon to cover the expenses of the Department; what percentage this is on the purchase value; what the total so added amounted to on the quantity imported during the first six months of this year; and how the money so obtained is used?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Ministry of Food adds 2½ per cent. to the F.O.B. cost of imported bacon to cover expenses of the Ministry, together with administration in the U.S.A., bank commission there, and interest on unsold stocks in this country. The F.O.B. value of the bacon imported during the first six months of this year was some £50,000,000 on which the 2½ percentage amounts to £1,250,000. The amount so obtained has been absorbed by the charges actually incurred.