§ 33. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Food what are the stocks of tea at the most recent available date; and at comparative periods in 1948 and 1947.
§ Dr. SummerskillIt would not be in the national interest to give the figures for which the hon. Member asks.
§ Mr. PiratinWill the Minister recall that a little while ago her Department published figures which showed that the stocks in February last year were 1,900,000 lb. and in February this year 3,300,000 lb.? If her Department can publish these figures, why is it not possible for her to divulge them in this House so that we might then be able to say to her, "Why not half an ounce more tea per person"?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf the hon. Gentleman knows those figures, I cannot understand why he has put a Question on the Order Paper.