HC Deb 17 February 1955 vol 537 cc559-60
53. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister what conversations he had with the Prime Minister of Ceylon, on the occasion of his recent visit, on how to increase exports of tea to Britain, by Government purchase or otherwise.

The Prime Minister

None, Sir. Buyers in this country are already free to purchase, either at the Colombo auction or at the London auction, as much Ceylon tea as they wish.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Prime Minister of Ceylon expressed the opinion that the high price of tea was "damn ridiculous"? Is he aware that that is the most popular pronouncement made by any Prime Minister during the Conference? Will the Prime Minister, as one of the veteran tea drinkers in this country, do something to help the Prime Minister of Ceylon in this very worthy crusade to bring down the price of tea?

The Prime Minister

As the Minister who abolished the import duty on tea, I should certainly be very glad to see the Prune Minister of Ceylon abolish the export duty on tea.