§ 34. Mr. Arbuthnotasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the recommendation in the 13th Report of the Select Committee on Estimates in Session 1948–49 of the last Parliament that preparations should be made for an early re-opening of the London Tea Auctions, which would lead to administrative economies, he can given an indication of what progress has been made to this end; and whether he intends re-opening the London Tea Auctions in the near future.
§ Mr. WebbAs I told the House last week in reply to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton), I am considering this and relevant matters in the light of the Select Committee on Estimates' recommendation. These raise important issues of public policy which I desire to consider most carefully. I can only add that I am also considering the report I have just received from the Mission which went to India, Pakistan and Ceylon last month.
§ Mr. ArbuthnotMay we have some indication of when a decision is likely to be reached?