TEA (STATISTICS). (Hansard, 20 November 1928)

§ Mr. PILCHER
asked the President of the Board of Trade the average weekly wholesale price per pound for a recent week of North Indian, South Indian, Ceylon, and Java tea, respectively, and the average retail price of tea in the United Kingdom at the same date?

§ Mr. H. WILLIAMS
The average prices per pound for tea at the auction sales held in London during the week ending 1st November were reported as follow:

Northern India Tea. Southern India Tea. Ceylon Tea. Java Tea.

s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.

1 4.83 1 2.97 1 9.49 1 0.20

These prices are as published weekly by the Tea Brokers' Association of London, and are exclusive of Customs duty of 3⅓d. per lb. for India and Ceylon tea and 4d. per lb. for Java tea.
The average retail price of tea in the United Kingdom on 1st November, as ascertained by the Ministry of Labour in connection with the cost of living index, was 2s. 4½d. per lb.

§ Mr. PILCHER
asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tea consumption of the United Kingdom in 1925, 1926, and 1927, distinguishing the proportion thereof derived, respectively, from India and Ceylon and from the Dutch colonies of Java and Sumatra; and the corresponding figures for the year 1928 to date?

§ Mr. H. WILLIAMS
The following statement shows the total quantity of tea retained for home consumption in Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the periods specified, together with the proportions of British East Indies, Ceylon and Java, Sumatra and other Dutch possessions in the Indian seas: 1565W

— 1925. 1926. 1927. 1928 (1st 10 months).

Total Quantity of Tea Retained for Home Consumption Million lbs. Million lbs. Million lbs. Million lbs.

398.7 403.1 410.0 349.5

Of which proportion: Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent.

Of British East Indies (except Ceylon) 59.4 56.5 55.6 55.8

Of Ceylon 27.3 27.5 26.6 28.3

Of Java, Sumatra and other Dutch Possessions in the India Seas. 10.2 12.8 14.7 13.4

§ Mr. PILCHER
asked the President of the Board of Trade, approximately, the quantity of Java tea marked as such and sold to the public of the United Kingdom in packets during 1927?

§ Mr. H. WILLIAMS
I regret that this information is not available.

Northern India Tea.	Southern India Tea.	Ceylon Tea.	Java Tea.
s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
1	4.83	1	2.97	1	9.49	1	0.20

—	1925.	1926.	1927.	1928 (1st 10 months).
Total Quantity of Tea Retained for Home Consumption	Million lbs.	Million lbs.	Million lbs.	Million lbs.
398.7	403.1	410.0	349.5
Of which proportion:	Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.
Of British East Indies (except Ceylon)	59.4	56.5	55.6	55.8
Of Ceylon	27.3	27.5	26.6	28.3
Of Java, Sumatra and other Dutch Possessions in the India Seas.	10.2	12.8	14.7	13.4