HC Deb 05 June 1918 vol 106 cc1568-9
41. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state if the registering by shopkeepers of purchasers of tea is done with the sanction of his Department; can he state if it is proposed to ration tea; and, if so, can he state from what date and what quantity will be allowed per head?

Mr. CLYNES

The Ministry of Food has announced that under the new scheme for the distribution of tea supplies every person in Great Britain not already registered should register with a tea retailer not later than the 10th June. It has not yet been decided whether the new system of distribution will be accompanied by national rationing, but the supply of tea to retailers will be made on the basis of 2 ozs. weekly for each registered customer. Retailers are being authorised to accept late applications up to the 15th instant.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Will special forms be, sent to everybody for tea or will the forms which people have already filled up be sufficient?

Mr. CLYNES

Should it be decided that there is to be individual rationing, the coupon books will be used for the purpose.