§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that profits of the various tea firms rose from less than £1,750,000 in 1952–53 to more than £7 million this year; and whether, before the proposed further increase in the retail price of tea is made, he will cause an investigation to be made into the five increases of price this year, to an extent of 2s. per pound, with a view to the reimposition of control.
Mr. AmoryTea is sold in Calcutta, Colombo and London at public auctions attended by buyers from all importing countries, the return to the producer being decided by the bidding of the buyers at such auctions and not by himself. Present prices directly reflect international demand for tea. An inquiry of the kind suggested would not therefore help matters.