§ MR. GILBERTasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that 75,000 tons of tea are expected to be shipped from India to British ports during the months of October, November, and December; whether, having regard to the exist-ting stocks, he is aware that there will be great difficulty in finding accommodation for this tea in existing ports; whether he is taking any steps to secure that the transport of tea on landing in this country is quickly and efficiently carried out and that clearances of tea from existing stocks equal to the importations will be made; and can he arrange with the Minister of 530W Shipping so as to avoid congestion in the ports caused by the present method of importing food commodities in such great quantities at one time?
Sir R. WILLIAMSI am constantly in communication with the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Food regarding the programme of imports of tea and other commodities.