§ Mr. WISEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) the cost of flour and the cost of bread, after making full allowance for capital and other costs, in Army bakeries at Aldershot or in any other convenient centre in February, 1914, and in February, 1931, respectively;
(2) the average cost per quartern loaf of bread baked in the Army bakeries at Aldershot, after making full allowance for capital and all other costs, including the cost of pay and maintenance of the enlisted labour employed, the average cost per quartern loaf of bread supplied on contract in the London area by the canteen board and by private contracts, respectively, and the corresponding retail price of bread of similar quality across the counter in ordinary retail shops in Aldershot and in London, respectively?
§ Mr. SANDERSI regret that information as to the costs of Army bakeries in 1914 is not on record, but the latest available information for the present day is:
It would not be in accordance with custom to state the exact contract price of bread supplied to the Army in the London area, but the average recent price 611W is fractionally over 4d. The canteen organisation does not tender. As the Department does not deal with retail shops, I regret I cannot answer the last part of the second question.
- Cost of flour to the Aldershot bakeries: 8s. 11½d. per 100 lbs.
- Cost of 4-lb. loaf there: 4½d. approximately.