§ 41. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, since price decontrol of tea, the retail price of this commodity has risen on several occasions; and whether he will now reintroduce price control on tea
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 9th December to the hon. Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mrs. Mann).
§ Mr. LewisI was here and heard that reply, but the Minister's answer did nothing towards trying to lessen the rapid increase in the price of this commodity. Can he not at least promise the housewife that he will endeavour to see that the price of tea is reduced, because the prices of many foods are now rising beyond the means of many people?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe latter part of that question is not in accordance with the facts. The hon. Member will appreciate, as I said last week, that the price we pay for tea is determined by its world 27 price. Whether there is control or not, that is the price we must pay. The fact remains that control by itself would not prevent prices going up, because on two occasions under control prices were up by 4d. per lb.
§ Mr. LewisWill the Minister consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer to see whether he can help the housewife by putting back the subsidy?