HC Deb 21 April 1953 vol 514 c804
36. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for War the present prices of a cup of tea in Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes at home and overseas; and the prices charged immediately prior to the decontrol of tea.

Mr. Head

A cup of tea in the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes costs 2d. at home and the nearest convenient currency equivalent overseas. Immediately before the control of tea ended, the price was 1½d.

Mr. Jeger

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Food and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food are constantly asserting that the decontrol of tea has led to the cheapening of prices. Why is this not reflected in the N.A.A.F.I. price of tea as far as our troops are concerned?

Mr. Head

My right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food is quite right. Tea was decontrolled in October, but it was in the previous May that the N.A.A.F.I. had decided to put up the price. The two factors were not, therefore, connected in any way.

Mr. Callaghan

Will the Secretary of State keep in mind that our troops in Korea have to pay 3d or 4d. for a cup of tea in the Australian N.A.A.F.I.?

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that it is calculated that 288 cups can be made out of a lb. of tea and that the price works out at 48s. per lb. to our soldiers and sailors?

Mr. Head

Yes, but unfortunately the price of tea includes such things as transport, wages, broken cups and a host of other things.