§ 59. Mr. LOUGHasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the present allocation of tea to the public, when the extra consumption of the Army is taken into account, greatly exceeds the pre-war consumption; whether he has received intimations from various parts of the country that stocks of tea are accumulating, and 1097 that many distributors do not require the quantities provided for in their original indents; whether, notwithstanding these facts, he has distributed an increased quantity of tea this week owing to the stocks that have accumulated in his hands without making any reduction in the price at present charged; and whether he will explain the reason for this system of distribution in view of the appeals for economy in the consumption of food which his Department is issuing?
§ Major ASTORThere is no doubt that the consumption of tea has increased during the War. It was ascertained that in certain districts stocks of tea had accumulated by 31st August, and steps were taken to reduce the quantity distributed last month, but as the equilibrium was in this way restored, distribution has again been resumed on the basis of 2 oz. per head per week for every registered customer. The increase in the quantity distributed in October as compared with September was due to the reasons given and not to the fact that stocks had accumulated in the Food Controller's hands. The price of tea is governed by pre-war sale prices, and is in no way dependent upon stocks. It is not thought that the quantity distributed exceeds the reasonable requirements of the population.
§ Mr. LOUGHIs the retail price for this country governed by the pre-war price? Is it not the wholesale price that is governed, and is not the Government making large profits?
§ Major ASTORThe price is based on pre-war prices.
Colonel THORNEWill not the Government consider the question of a reduction in the price of tea, which would be an advantage to the country?
§ Major ASTORI must have notice of that question.