§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that purchasers of the normal butter ration have to pay for the wrapping paper containing their ration, whereas with margarine and lard the wrapping paper is not charged for; what is the estimated cost per year and per pound of butter charged to the consumer for this wrapping paper; and what is the cost of this paper to his Department.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe inclusion of the weight of paper when wrapping butter, margarine or lard is permissible under the Sale of Food (Weights & Measures) Act, 1926. Butter is sold either inclusive or exclusive of the weight of paper, according to the method of packing; margarine is usually packed exclusive of the weight of paper, but lard is commonly sold with the weight of the paper included.
Where butter is packed inclusive of the weight of paper, which must not exceed 2½ drams per lb. of butter, the relative charge in respect of the paper would be .351 pence per lb.. or on the basis of
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§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe following table shows for each four-weekly ration period since October, 1951, the amount by which deliveries of butter to wholesalers fell short of, or exceeded, the estimated entitlement; the retail value of such butter; and the number of rations which it represents.
a weekly ration of 3 oz., the cost per year would be 3.422 pence.
My Department does not supply the paper to butter packers and the cost of this forms part of the service provided by distributors.