19. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, since tea is almost entirely derived from the sterling areas, he will increase the present ration by 2 oz. per person per week.
Dr. SurnmerskillNo, Sir. It would be impossible since the total exportable surplus of tea available from the sterling area falls considerably below the quantity required to meet a ration of 4 oz. per person per week.
Mr. De la BèreIs the hon. Lady—a very charming Minister—aware that the position here is hardly as she describes it? Is she aware that there is no dollar expenditure involved at all and, further, is it not necessary for aged folk, indeed, for all of us, to have the benefit of a strong cup of tea? It might help us to think not too unkindly about the Government?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. Member has overlooked one important point, which is that India and Ceylon both want dollars and, therefore, they would not be prepared to sell us all their exportable surplus.