HC Deb 11 June 1947 vol 438 c1066
50. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Food in view of the fact that one factory alone in Uganda produces enough tea to supply 65,000 people with two ounces per week, for one year, and that the growers there prefer to help Britain than to sell at higher prices elsewhere, why he has recently refused to renew contracts with tea growers in Uganda.

Dr. Summerskill

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. My right hon. Friend has not refused to renew contracts with tea growers in Uganda.

Sir W. Smithers

Has a contract been obtained?

Dr. Summerskill

We have offered to buy all the tea offered to us in British East Africa. Uganda is rather slow in tendering, but we are prepared to take anything she offers.

Sir W. Smithers

Would not the difficulty be overcome by letting Mincing Lane do the job?

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