§ Mr. P. A. HARRISasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that for over a week there have been at Twining's shop in the Strand long queues of people waiting to buy tea; whether he is aware that similar scenes can be seen in various parts of London; what action he proposes to take in the matter; whether he is aware that such crowds require a number of police to regulate them; and whether he proposes now to deal scientifically with the whole tea problem?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Food Controller is aware of the great difficulty that has been experienced by the public in obtaining tea. Owing to the small amount of tonnage made available, the supplies received for some months past have been very short, but the steps taken by the Food Controller to secure larger imports are now beginning to have effect. The arrivals in the last few weeks have been appreciably heavier, and as this tea passes into the shops the situation will steadily improve. Negotiations for the purchase of tea for the United Kingdom are nearly completed, and it is hoped to obtain a regular supply from India and Ceylon.
§ Mr. LINDSAYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of food if he is aware that the Order fixing the maximum price of tea has in many cases caused considerable hardship; and if he will consider the desirability of adopting the same procedure as was taken in the case of flour?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Food Controller is aware that in certain cases losses have been incurred by members of the tea trade as a result of the making of the Tea (Provisional Prices) Order, 1917. In cases in which he considered that course desirable he has already taken action somewhat similar to that adopted in respect of flour, and he is not prepared to go further at present.