§ 29. Mr. Asshetonasked the Minister of Food whether he is now prepared to allow any of the stocks of China tea, now deteriorating in bonded warehouses in this country, to be distributed off the ration.
§ Dr. SummerskillSo long as supplies generally remain short, and rationing is necessary, I am afraid that no tea can be sold off the ration. China tea has good keeping qualities and the stocks here are very small.
§ Mr. AsshetonIs not the right hon. Lady aware that this stock is deteriorating, as I think her Department know quite well; and does it not seem a pity not to let those people who do want this tea have it, although I agree that everyone will not want it?
§ Dr. SummerskillThis tea has good keeping qualities. If the hon. Gentleman will let me know where the tea is, 1718 which he says is so rapidly deteriorating, I shall be only too pleased to make an inquiry.
§ Mr. AsshetonThe right hon. Lady already has all the information.