55. Mr. A. RICHARDSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Food Controller whether he is aware that the Food Controller, at a meeting held on 6th March with the tea merchants of London, suggested that they should sell a 2s. retail tea; if so, is he aware that on the same day the lowest price tea sold on the London market was 1s. 3¼d., which, together with the 1s. duty, costs the merchant 2s. 3¼d. per lb.; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Captain BATHURSTArrangements as regards the regulation of the price of tea are still the matter of negotiation, and the 900 Food Controller is conferring further with representatives of all the interests concerned.
Mr. RICHARDSONWill the hon. Gentleman answer the question as to the Food Controller having suggested 2s. as the retail price of tea?
Captain BATHURSTThis suggestion was in fact done in a private conversation with the traders, and it never was intended to be published.
§ Sir WALTER ESSEXWho has to bear the loss between the cost of the tea on the market, plus the duty, and the price of the tea to be sold, and who is to have the profit on the deal?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of argument.