HC Deb 08 March 1954 vol 524 cc1732-3
36. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Food what discussions he has had with the India Tea Association.

Major Lloyd George

None, Sir.

Mr. Willey

Is the Minister aware that his Ministry of Food Bulletin has reported that measures by India and Pakistan to curtail tea production were ineffective, and in view of this, does he not think that he has a responsibility to discuss this matter with the Government of India to see whether this increasing spiral in the price of tea which is leading to reduced consumption can be stopped?

Major Lloyd George

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that even under control there was no possibility of influencing what the producers did. The position remains the same today. The Association represents Indian tea producers, and the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the cost of procurement has gone up. He should be the last to complain about that, in view of the help it affords to the backward areas, which he wants.

Mr. Willey

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree with his Department's statement about this matter?

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