HC Deb 20 November 1946 vol 430 cc127-8W
110. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the proposal made by the Financial Secretary, Ceylon, to avail himself of the temporary world shortage in tea supplies to impose a heavy export duty on Ceylon tea, he will take steps to forestall this attempt to compel British tea drinkers to contribute indirectly to the revenues of Ceylon.

Mr. Creech Jones

I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food and with the Ceylon Government on this matter. The reported proposal to impose an export tax has not yet been confirmed and until I receive further details I am unable to say more.