§ 29. Lieut.-Colonel APPLINasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the imports of foreign-grown tea and British-grown tea, respectively, for the quarter ended 30th March, 1932?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMy hon. and gallant Friend will find the desired information in the March issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom," which will be published to-day.
§ Lieut.-Colonel APPLINIn view of the alarming nature of the figures which I anticipate, will the right hon. Gentleman approach the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a request that he will give some substantial preference to growers within the Empire?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has taken note of the suggestion.
51. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the continued increase in the importation of foreign-grown teas into this country; and if he will consider the imposition of a duty on them in order that assistance may be afforded to tea grown within the British Empire?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I am aware that there has been an increase in the imports of foreign-grown teas, but I am unable to anticipate my Budget statement.
Sir F. HALLI am not asking my right hon. Friend to anticipate his Budget, but will he give very careful consideration to the enormous increase when framing his Budget?