§ Major BARNSTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps are being taken to ensure that at least a percentage of the new China tea crop shall come to this country; and whether the China market conditions permit this being done under unique conditions, both as regards quality and price?
§ Mr. PARKEROf the 3,000,000 lbs. of China tea which it is intended to purchase if sufficient tonnage is available, all, except a small proportion, will be obtained1414W from the new crop. It is hoped that purchases will be satisfactory in regard to price, but the advices at present received indicate that the crop generally is of poor average quality.
§ Major BARNSTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what percantage of the normal consumption of China tea is represented by the 3,000,000 lbs. already ordered; and whether, in order to allow of transport being spread over a period, he will consider the purchase of a further 3,000,000 lbs. of the new crop?
§ Mr. PARKERI would refer the horn and gallant Member to the reply given on this subject on the 5th February, 1918. The 3,000,000 lbs. which may be purchased if tonnage is available have not yet been bought and shipped, and no further purchases have been sanctioned.