HC Deb 29 November 1948 vol 458 cc1624-5
41. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Food whether, now that 500 million lb. of tea have been imported since he announced the cut in the tea ration, he will now increase the tea ration.

Mr. Strachey

Five hundred million lb. is appreciably less than the amount required to meet even the present 2 oz. ration in that period.

Mr. Turton

Does the Minister remember the pledge given by his Parliamentary Secretary that the tea ration would be increased when supplies became greater? As they are a great deal larger than last year, will the Minister redeem that pledge?

Mr. Strachey

No, but I will repeat the pledge that as soon as supplies become sufficient we will increase the tea ration.

Mr. Drayson

Will the Minister see that sufficient quantities of tea are made available to the Board of Trade for entertaining foreign delegations? The "Daily Herald" shows great apprehension——

Mr. Speaker

That has nothing to do with this Question, which refers to tea rationing.