§ 18. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that tea is selling at London sales at 3s. 5d. and 3s. 6d. per lb., and that the retail price is much higher; and if he will place long-term contracts to ensure stability at a lower price.
Mr. AmoryThe average price of all teas sold at London auctions during the last 10 weeks was 4s. 9½d. per lb. The retail price of packeted teas ranges from 4s. to 7s. 8d. per lb. according to blend. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir."
§ Mrs. MannIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the finest housewife in Britain is unable to procure tea at 4s. a lb.? Is he aware that his reply is nonsensical? The average price of tea is 6s. 8d. per lb.
Mr. AmoryI have had reason before now to doubt whether the hon. Lady is as skilled in buying food as she has indicated. I do not think that she finds the best markets. I can assure her that tea is obtainable in many qualities at much below the price she indicates.
§ Mrs. MannIs the Minister aware that it is not a case of being skilled in finding the right market; it is being skilled in giving evasive replies?
Mr. AmoryI assure the hon. Lady that tea is obtainable readily, packeted at prices between 4s. and 7s. 8d. per lb., but the demand, up to 90 per cent., is strongly for the better qualities.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister not aware that the tea of which he talks as being priced at 4s. a lb. is not tea that is bought at all?