§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to tine Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller is aware that since the date of the Prime Minister's restrictions of imports speech a quantity of tea amounting to about 6,000,000 pounds has been exported and passed through the country in transit according to the London Customs bills of entry, Bill B; whether lie will state the quantity of green tea included in these exports; whether, in view of the expected short supply of tea, these exports and transhipments are to be allowed to continue; and, if so, whether the same facilities for export and transhipment of tea that have already been granted will be granted to all firms engaged in these trades?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that about four-fifths of the total transhipments and exports consisted of green tea, which is not generally consumed in this country. Permission to export, whether by way of transhipment or otherwise, will only be given for the use of British Colonies where the lea cannot be obtained elsewhere, or for classes of tea unsuitable for consumption here, and will be given on the same terms to all firms. I should add that it has been necessary, as an exceptional measure, recently to grant licences for limited shipment to two firms in pursuance of an understanding on behalf of the Department given some months ago.
§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has any information showing whether the scheme of tea control under the Rules and Regulations issued by the Tea Advisory Committee is giving satisfaction to the tea trade; whether he will say whether those Rules and Regulations have received the consent and approval of the Food Controller; whether a number of large distributors of tea have not accepted those Rules and Regulations and have not given the necessary undertaking, with the consequence that they are unable to buy and supply their country customers with tea; if he will say for what reason the amendments to this scheme that have been urged upon the Tea Advisory Committee have not been accepted; if he will state by which Order, if any, the Tea Advisory Committee was appointed; and 1488W if this Committee is in agreement with a majority of the tea traders in the City of London?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe scheme of tea control under the Rules and Regulations issued by the Tea Advisory Committee has met with opposition in certain quarters, and I understand that some large distributors of tea have declined to accept it, although I am not aware that they have been unable to supply their customers with tea. The whole question of ensuring adequate supplies of tea at reasonable prices is now being reconsidered, and the Food Controller has invited all sections of the trade, including those who are dissatisfied with the present arrangements, to assist him in drawing up a new scheme.