HC Deb 02 April 1917 vol 92 cc926-7W
Mr. LOUGH

asked under what Act the Food Controller has power to allocate 40 per cent. of arrivals of tea to a Committee formed in London who will be responsible for the purchase and payment to the importers; whether the Committee will have unlimited powers as to the persons to whom and localities in which this tea will be distributed; whether further legislation will be required to sanction these arrangements; and, if so, when it will be introduced?

Captain BATHURST

Under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, the Food Controller has power to allocate all or any portion of the tea arriving in this country. In this instance, a Committee, representing various branches of the tea trade, has been formed for the purpose of controlling the distribution of the amount agreed by the importers to be available for sale at a low price. Subject to the approval of the Food Controller, this Committee will decide as to the persons to whom and the localities in which this tea will be distributed. No further legislation will be necessary.

Mr. LOUGH

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a fortnight's average consumption per head of the population of tea is about ¼lb. and of coffee and cocoa about 1 oz., and that large sections of the population constantly and necessarily buy and hold much more than these quantities of such articles; whether this can be described as hoarding: and if it is seriously proposed to make it a crime to hold more than a fortnight's consumption of such articles?

Captain BATHURST

The statements in the first part of the question are substantially correct, although I think the right hon. Gentleman has overstated the consumption of coffee. The point raised will be borne in mind when the Order relating to hoarding is framed.

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