§ 18. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of Food what was the tea ration in 1949, 1950 and 1951; and what was the estimated consumption per person in 1938.
Dr. HillThe weekly tea ration since 1949 has been 2 oz. per person except between December, 1949, and June, 1950, when it was 2½ oz. The overall consumption in 1938 is estimated at 2.9 oz. per person.
§ Mr. JegerAs the ration of tea has always been related to our imports and, according to the Monthly Digest of 383 Statistics, our imports of tea have increased 50 per cent. over the pre-war 1938 imports, would it not be possible now to increase the tea ration, not by the miserable half ounce suggested, but to three ounces, because of increased imports, particularly in the last three months?
Dr. HillAn additional 30 million lb. of tea over the 1951 imports will be needed to make possible the raising of the ration from two ounces to two and a half ounces and steps are being taken to obtain that additional amount to permit the increased ration as announced as from 10th August.
§ Mr. JegerCan we have an assurance that stocks of tea are not being built up so that when it is taken off the ration there can be some profiteering done by selling cheap brands of tea and tea dust at exorbitant prices?
Dr. HillThe imports of tea in 1951 were less than the imports in 1949, but still it has been found possible to increase the tea ration.