§ 27. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that on the sale of 60,000 chests of tea they were mostly of 100 lbs. each; if he is aware that gross weight means short weight, which is fast becoming general; that 2d. per lb. represents the short weight, which means about £3,000,000 sterling that the public lose by having to buy tea at gross weight; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
Captain BATHURSTIt is not clear what particular sale is referred to in the first part of the question. Chests of tea vary from 90 lbs. to 130 lbs. in weight. The other part of the question, presumably refers to the inclusion of the wrapper in retail sales of tea. I stated last week that this matter was receiving the consideration of the Food Controller, and that a decision 761 might be expected this week. I am in a position to inform the House that on and after 1st May it will be illegal to pack tea unless each packet of 20zs. and upwards contains the net weight of tea mentioned on the packet, and, after a reasonable period, to enable retailers to clear stocks, it will be illegal to retail tea in packets except under the same conditions. An Order to this effect will be issued immediately. I ought to add, as I have stated before, that this will necessarily involve the raising of the price of tea to some extent.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the hon. Gentleman recognise that there has already been one jump in price; is there to be another jump, and can he give any reason why the tea merchant should not be compelled to sell tea just in the same way as the baker sells bread?
Captain BATHURSTI have just explained that that is what is going to happen. It was pointed out by the Select Committee who considered this subject that it would involve a rise in the price of tea. That, I am afraid, is inevitable, but on the whole it is thought better that the change should be made.
§ Mr. LOUGHMay I ask my hon. Friend, in regard to this practice of weighing paper, Whether the Board of Trade refused to accept—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman must give notice of that question. The representative of the Food Control Department is not responsible for the Board of Trade