§ Mr. LOUGHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the freight on tea carried from Colombo to London has recently been increased to 225s. per cubic ton, equal to 4d. per pound, as compared with 33s. before the War, and that these teas are often carried by ships which bring teas from Calcutta, a longer voyage, at 47s. 6d.; and whether he can arrange that the freight from Colombo, as the shorter journey, shall be reduced to the latter limit?
Mr. ROBERTSI am aware that the freight rate on tea from Colombo has recently been increased to about the amount stated by my right hon. Friend. There is, I am informed, a serious shortage of space for homeward cargo from Colombo, and preference has to be given to commodities which are urgently required in this country. I am not able to take the action suggested in the last paragraph of the question.