§ 73. Brigadier Lowasked the Minister of Food whether he has considered alter- 366W average monthly consumption of tea in the United Kingdom during the twelve months ended nth October, 1946, was 35.2 million lbs. The estimated production of tea available in the sterling area for export during the current year was 685 million lbs.; production outside the sterling area for export was negligible.
§ 72. Mr. Ecclesasked the Minister of Food what proportion of the world's exports of tea was imported and retained in this country in 1945; and what is the estimated proportion in 1946 and 1947.
§ Mr. StracheyIn 1945 approximately 55 per cent, of the exports of tea from India, Ceylon and British East Africa were imported and retained in this country. The proportion for 1946 is estimated at 54 per cent.; it is not possible, at this date, to make an estimate for 1947. Exports from countries other than those mentioned during 1945–46 were negligible.