§ 38. Mr. HOGGEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Food Controller has distinctly stated that while the consumer is required to register for tea that article has not yet been rationed; whether he is aware that since it was decided to require registration the Civil Service Supply Association and other large tea dealers have rationed their customers in tea by supplying no more than 2 ozs. per head per week; and will he say what measures it is proposed to take to prevent this infringement by retail tea dealers of the powers of the Food Controller?
§ Major ASTORThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Retailers are supplied with sufficient tea to enable them to give 2 ozs. per head per week to each of their registered customers. If some registered customers require less than 2 ozs. others may obtain more. In these circumstances the action complained of by the hon. Member merely amounts to a wise precaution.