§ Sir A. Knoxasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food for what reason the Ministry purchased 40,000,000 lbs. of Dutch tea, in view of the fact that Indian producers are able to supply the whole home market; and that the conveyance of tea from the Dutch East Indies makes a greater demand on shipping?
§ Mr. BoothbyI have every reason to believe that the Ministry's purchase of tea from the Netherland East Indies was not objectionable to the Indian producers.
§ Mr. Bateyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when the tea ration will be discontinued, seeing that the tonnage saved is so small?
§ Mr. BoothbyTea rationing was introduced to conserve the country's stocks during a period in which there is normally a seasonal decline and against unforeseen events. It is not possible at present to indicate a date at which the rationing of tea can be reconsidered.
§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that certain employés in His Majesty's naval dockyards, and also blast-furnace men, tin-plate workers and many labourers in heavy industries contend that they cannot do their work properly on a tea ration of two ounces a week; whether he has under consideration a scheme for increasing the ration for these men; and when he expects to be in a position to make an announcement upon the matter?
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§ Mr. BoothbyAn announcement was made on 24th July, authorising food control committees to issue special permits for the purchase of tea for industrial, business, and clerical workers in cases where they cannot obtain tea from a registered canteen. This concession has been made to enable such workers to have tea during their working hours without drawing on their domestic ration of two ounces per week. Forms of application are obtainable from local food offices.