§ 2. Sir ALFRED YEOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any representations from traders on the continued failure to arrange for the importation of China tea; whether the percentage of import has yet been decided; and whether, and how, the necessary tonnage has yet been provided?
Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. Representations have been received from traders asking the Ministry of Food to arrange for the importation of China tea. Arrangements have been made by which tea will be bought in China on behalf of the Ministry of Food for importation to the United Kingdom in neutral tonnage. If sufficient tonnage be available it is intended to purchase 3,000,000 lbs. in the present year. The arrangements for tonnage will be made by the Ministry's agents in China.