§ 14. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Food what guarantees he received before decontrolling tea that cheap blends would continue to be available.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI was assured by the Tea Buyers' Association that blends would be available at 3s. l0d. and 3s. 8d. per lb. to meet any foreseeable demand for low priced teas. In spite of the recent rise in the world tea prices there are still ample supplies in the shops at and below these prices.
§ Mr. JegerWhy are some tea blenders sending out such a circular as this? It says:
In the case of teas we have had to withdraw our two cheapest blends, and the rest we have had to advance by 4d. a lb. We think it right to point out that if the market goes on in the way it is at the moment a further increase in the not distant future is inevitable.Did the guarantee that the Minister received have a- time limit, or is it merely that after six months off the ration teas go up in price?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI simply asked for a guarantee which they have fulfilled to the letter. They said that there would be ample supplies of the cheaper blends available. It is true that some blends have gone up by 4d. a 1b., but there are ample supplies of cheaper blends at 3s. 4d. and 3s. 8d. 1b.
§ Mr. MarloweIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that in the London buses the Co-operative Society are advertising more tea at cheaper prices?