Tea

HC Deb 17 July 1946 vol 425 cc1220-1

53. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Food what are the factors which prevent him abolishing tea rationing.

83. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Minister of Food if he is now in a position to end tea rationing.

Mr. Strachey

I regret that the world production of tea has not yet sufficiently recovered to justify my abandoning rationing. In fact, we are at present consuming tea at the rate of 8g per cent. of our prewar consumption, and have not recently been quite replacing our stocks.

Mr. Gammans

Will the Minister publish the figures of the world production of tea, and of the stocks in this country on which this decision of his is based? Will he publish the figures?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. I repeat that tea is a good example of particular commodities, to publish the stocks of which we have in this country, we are advised, would be a real disadvantage to our buyers. I must adhere to that decision.

Mr. Gammans

Why is it not a disadvantage to the buyers in those countries who have not rationed tea?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Strachey

I should be perfectly willing to answer, if I understood it. Perhaps, the hon. Gentleman would explain what is not a disadvantage to those countries that have not rationed tea.

Mr. Gammans

The right hon. Gentleman said that, because of the fact that we have to buy tea in the outside market, it would be a disadvantage to us if we published the figures. I want to know why it is not a disadvantage for buyers in those countries where tea is not rationed.

Mr. Strachey

Do those countries the hon. Gentleman has in mind publish the stocks of tea held in those countries?

Mr. Gammans

They do not ration tea.

Mr. Strachey

What has that to do with it? It has nothing to do with the case.

Major Bruce

Will my right hon. Friend note the Opposition's concern for international free enterprise?