69. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Food whether the wholesale gross profit of 14s. 6d. per ton on potatoes purchased through his Department was fixed by negotiation with the trade; what allowance this figure includes to cover cost of transport from railhead to warehouse, working expenses and net profit, respectively; and what amount per ton is retained by his Department to cover the cost of delivery to railhead and the expenses of the Ministry's agents and bags.
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir; the margin of 14s. 6d. per ton was fully discussed with trade representatives. Of this amount 2s. per ton represents the allowance for cartage from railhead to store where8W incurred, and the balance of 12s. 6d. per ton, the normal margin for the town wholesaler. My Department retains 25s. 6d. per ton, the balance of the gross wholesale margin, to cover transport from growers loading station to destination, buying agent's fee and cost of use of bags.