§ 30. Mr. KEATINGasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inquire into the comparative price of tea plus tax and freight at the present time and ascertain the increase, if any, upon the price of tea plus tax and freight before the War?
§ Mr. PRETYMANTea is for the most part sold in London free of duty by auction. The price in London of Pekoe Suchong common, which may be taken for comparative purposes, was about 11¾d. per lb. at the end of May, ex duty, equivalent to a duty paid price of 1s. 11¾d. per lb. At the end of May, 1914, it was 8½d. per lb., equivalent to a duty paid price of 1s. 8½d. per lb.
§ Mr. FLAVINCan the hon. Gentleman say whether he has any reason to believe there is a combine in the tea trade by buyers who are holding in bond large quantities of tea, which are not put upon the market, thereby running up prices artificially?
§ Mr. PRETYMANNo. I have heard a vague rumour that there is something of the kind, but I have not, so far, obtained any confirmation of it.
§ Mr. FLAVINHas the hon. Gentleman any personal knowledge of the tea trade?
§ Mr. PRETYMANMy inquiries have not been made personally, but by those in my Department who have charge of that particular work.