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1916-17.] Labouring Class Dietaries in War Time. 
This table is very interesting as showing the fluctuation of the values 
of the main articles of diet. The tendency of prices is upward, with a 
slight fall in one or two of the commonest articles in Autumn 1915. 
At pre-war prices oatmeal was the most economical source of both 
energy and protein ; peas following for protein, and wheat flour 
for energy. 
A year later (June 1915) beans were our cheapest source of protein, 
and rice of energy. Next came peas for protein, and flour as a source 
of energy. 
In November 1915 oatmeal had almost recovered its position, being the 
most economical source of energy, and taking the second place as a source of 
protein. Beans were still the cheapest protein obtainable, and rice followed 
oatmeal as the cheapest source of energy. 
In June 1916 (1) lentils and (2) oatmeal were the cheapest sources of 
protein, and (1) oatmeal and (2) flour the cheapest sources of energy. 
Sugar and potatoes have undergone the greatest changes in value. At 
pre-war prices sugar was the most economical source of energy, following 
oatmeal and flour. Being restricted in import, sugar has been more 
subject to the causes which brought about the rise in prices than many 
other foodstuffs. Potatoes being mostly home grown did not rise 
immediately on the outbreak of war; indeed for a short time in the 
Autumn of 1915 they were selling at 5d. a stone, and formed the cheapest 
food at the time. An early frost in the Autumn of 1915, however, wasted 
part of the crop, and potatoes have become very dear. For a short period 
in June 1916 they were selling at 2s. 6d. a stone, a prohibitive price for 
the working-class housekeeper. 
Animal foods are expensive at all times. At pre-war prices protein 
could be obtained from flour, lentils, peas, and oatmeal at about one-sixth 
of its cost when got from beef and mutton. 
In June 1916, although meat had not risen in price to the same extent 
as the vegetable foodstuffs, it was still five times as dear as a source of 
protein, and over seven times as expensive as a source of energy. 
[Table 
