§ 27. Mr. DREWEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the restriction of tea shipments to this country now enforced by the Indian and Ceylon Governments, the retail price of tea bought by the working-classes has been considerably increased, and the wholesale price under bond raised to a figure above that estimated as necessary to safeguard the planting industry; and whether he will make representations to the Indian and Ceylon Governments to allow the present quota of exports to be increased?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware that there has been some increase in retail prices following upon the substantial increase that has ocurred in auction prices in recent months. The International Tea Committee has fixed the quota for the countries parties to the Tea Restriction Scheme at 87½ per cent. of the standard exports for the second year of the operation of the scheme, as compared with 85 per cent. for the present year ending 31st March next. There will thus be as from 1st April an increase in the present quota.