HC Deb 16 December 1946 vol 431 c1598
77. Mr. MacLeod

asked the Minister of Food why, since 1942, grocers must still obtain tea from the same suppliers whether the tea suits them or not.

Dr. Summerskill

To allow grocers to change at will their suppliers of tea would make it impossible for wholesalers and packers to maintain a consistent supply of the different varieties and qualities of tea.

Mr. MacLeod

Does the Minister realise that in rural areas small grocers are very dissatisfied with this and that they have to stock tea which is not wanted by the public who, unlike people in towns, cannot go round the corner to another grocer?

Dr. Summerskill

I realise that the grocers want the best quality tea, but the hon. Member must realise that it also carries the highest profit, which is probably the reason why they want it.