§ 44. Mr. FORRESTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the further increase in the retail prices of tea; and whether, in the public interest, an inquiry into the system of brokerage is necessary?
Mr. SAMUELI am aware of this increase. The Food Council will soon be taking evidence on the system of brokerage in the tea trade.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERHas the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement of the chairman of the Home and Colonial Company on the 12th of last month, that they had bought very heavily in tea, and is there any reason why they should raise the price.
Mr. SAMUELWe have asked the tea brokers' associations to give evidence, and I hope they will do so.