§ 57. Sir R. COOPERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what are the quantities of tea and coffee in the country at the present time; and whether, in view of the fact that coffee is the national beverage of Germans and Austrians, he will direct that prisoners of war shall be supplied with coffee instead of tea, in order that the latter, which is our own national beverage, may be avail able to the fullest extent for the people of this country?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe bonded warehouse stocks on the 28th February were approximately 70,000,000 lbs. of tea and 1,000,000 cwts. of coffee. The importation of coffee has almost entirely ceased, though the home consumption has largely increased. On the other hand, it is intended to maintain the importation of tea at a level sufficient to meet requirements. For these reasons it does not appear desirable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.