HC Deb 17 May 1944 vol 400 cc180-1
50. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Minister of Food if he can estimate the amount of extra tea which would be involved if an additional ration of a quarter pound monthly were allowed to old age pensioners of 70 years of age and over on production of their pension book.

Colonel Llewellin

From 7½ to 8 million lbs. of tea per annum.

Sir I. Albery

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend consider it possible to make this concession?

Colonel Llewellin

No. If we were to make the concession, which is difficult because of the supply situation, I do not know that it would be possible to limit it absolutely to people who have the old age pension.

Mr. Driberg

What percentage of the total consumption of tea in this country is represented by the figure quoted in the Minister's answer?

Colonel Llewellin

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.

Captain Cobb

Would it be possible to make the concession if the consumption of tea in Government offices were cut down by half?