§ Mr. REESasked whether the import of foreign teas into India has increased in recent years; and, if the answer be in the affirmative, from what countries such tea 1985 is imported; and what is the explanation of this fact while the area under tea cultivation in India continues to show a large and progressive increase?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThere has been some increase in the imports of tea into India from other countries. The imports are chiefly from Ceylon, China, the Straits Settlements, and Java. I have seen no complete explanation, but it is stated that part of the imported teas are used for blending with Indian teas. The imports are, of course, insignificant in comparison with the exports—six million pounds as against 235 million pounds.