Mr. T. WILSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department has approved in principle the purchase of a second 3,000,000 lbs. of China tea; and, if so, whether they will recommend that this step be taken?
§ Mr. PARKERI have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 2nd July.
Mr. WILSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the official contention that the questions of exchange and tonnage militate against approval of the purchase of a second 3,000,000 lbs. of China tea, he can state how the question of exchange 719W would arise since such a quotation would be based on the current rate of the day; and whether the cargo suggested could in normal times be easily taken by one ocean-going steamer?
§ Mr. PARKERThe current rate of exchange depends upon the balance of transactions, and every purchase affects that balance. As regards tonnage, the times are not normal, and considerable difficulty is being experienced in getting tonnage for the 3,000,000 lbs. of tea, the purchase of which has already been authorised.