WHAT IS SPENT ON BREAD IN POOR FAMILIES. [To THE
EDITOR OP THE .SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In discussing the effect of wheat at 608., as compared with 30s., on the price of bread, you state in the Spectator of October 24th: "If the labourer spends half his wages on bread —and he often spends more—such a duty is equivalent to a tax of 25 per cent. on his earnings." It would be interesting to know where the labourer is to be found who lays out his wages in this proportion. In the fiscal controversy politicians on both sides exaggerate to gain a hearing, but we are accus- tomed to look for accurate figures and fair argument in the Spectator, and almost invariably find both. The wages of a labourer range from 14s. to 17s., and his weekly budget has been analysed by writers on poverty and others, and the result would appear to show conclusively that he spends from 4s. to 5s. on bread, which is nearly 50 per cent. below your estimate. The hardship referred to has been thus at first sight reduced by one half, and opponents will be ready to believe that on closer inspection the other half would also vanish. Those who are not converts to your views on the fiscal question will look with suspicion on your conclusions, when in the main correct, if supported by such exaggerated figures.
—I am, Sir, &c., G. RAINEY. Boston Club, Boston, Lincolnshire.
[The best answer to this letter is that which we publish immediately below it.—En. Spectator.]
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