§ 20. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Food the average price per lb. of tea on 1st January, 1954; and, in view of the fact that the price is now considerably higher, and has risen in the last few months, if he will consider the reimposition of price control.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Charles Hill)The average retail price of tea was 5s. 2½d. per lb. on 1st January this year. I have nothing to add to the reply given on 26th October to the hon. Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mrs. Mann).
§ Miss BurtonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I shall be able to supplement his information, which is quite useless as we have not had it yet? Is he 12 aware that Lyon's Green Label tea, which is of average quality only, was on 7th January this year 5s. lb. and is now 6s. 8d. lb., which is an increase of 1s. 8d.? What is the Minister going to do about this? Or are we to wait until the General Election before the old people may have the tea they want?
§ Dr. HillIt is true, and I regret it, that there has been a substantial increase in the price of tea this year due to a number of causes, including the costs in the tea gardens, and including increased consumption in India and America. It is hoped that, with the arrival of the new crop, we may begin to see a reduction in prices.
§ Mr. GowerHas my hon. Friend taken note of the fact that the recent Labour Party Conference emphatically rejected the idea of price controls, which are the only things which would affect this matter?
§ Mr. CallaghanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side of the House would be very happy if he could say what the reasons are against re-imposing temporarily price control on tea?
§ Dr. HillBecause, of itself, price control would not bring more tea and would need to be supplemented by consumer subsidies, which would mean a return to rationing.