§ 3. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the highest costs of packing materials for margarine are approximately four times the lowest; on what basis he decides which packers to employ; and if he will make a statement on the position.
§ Mr. WebbThe estimate quoted by the hon. Member includes both margarine and cooking-fats, and the costs of one firm which only came into production at the end of the period covered. The normal variation in the cost of packing margarine is not nearly so wide as this. But there is bound to be a considerable variation, since some margarine is packed in bulk for trade users, and some in half-pound packets for the ration. Costs are also affected by the general shortage of packing materials and by the extent to242W which containers can be used more than once. All margarine is packed by the factory which made it, and every effort is made by my Department to see that this is done economically.