§ Captain Ellistonasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the serious inconvenience caused to tea merchants by the delay in payment for tea stocks requisitioned by the Government in September last; and how soon the completion of these payments may be expected?
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§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonClaims for payment in respect of requisitioned stocks are dealt with as expeditiously as possible. Up to 21st November claims for requisitioned tea amounted to approximately £4,500,000, and payments amounting to £3,500,000 had been made in respect of claims amounting to approximately £3,750,000. It is estimated that claims amounting ',to some £4,000,000 have not yet been lodged, and it is, therefore, not possible to say how soon payment will be completed in all cases.