§ 56 and 57. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked (56) what was the quantity of tea imported for the year ended 31st December, 1876; and whether an allowance of £30 per annum was granted to eight surveyors of Customs in London on appointment as tea inspectors under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875; and (57) what was the quantity of tea imported for the year ended 31st December, 1911; whether any relaxations have been made in the 30 inspection of tea under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act; and, if not, upon what grounds the allowances to the eight surveyors have been withdrawn?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIn 1876 the amount of tea imported was 185,536,371 pounds, and in 1911, 346,146,414 pounds. There has been no relaxation, so far as I am aware, in the inspection of tea. In 1876 three allowances of £50 and three of £30 were granted to Customs surveyors in London for what was then the novel and special duty of tea inspection under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, and in 1891 these allowances were converted into eight of £30 each. The work having become an ordinary part of the duties of the Department, the allowances were discontinued on the recent reorganisation of the staff.