§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, pursuant to the reply of 8 February to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds, Official Report, columns 743–44, he will explain why accommodation and other costs account for 52 per cent. of the hourly charges he makes for type approval of weighing machines; and if he will publish a breakdown of the 31 per cent. figure provided for other costs.
§ Mr. FletcherThe breakdown of the "other costs" figure for 1983–84 is as follows:
per cent. Departmental overheads (includes personnel management, typing and reprographic services) 13 Administration (includes office management, accounts, local staff management) 9.5 Office supplies (includes stationery, postage, telephones) 4.5 Capital charges, (includes equipment depreciation), materials and consumable stores 4 Total 31 Accommodation costs represent a relatively high proportion of the overall overheads because the national Weights and Measures Laboratory is currently located in central London, an area where high rents and rates prevail.