HC Deb 09 November 1949 vol 469 c122W
45. Major Beamish

asked the Minister of Food what effect devaluation has had upon Government contracts to import tea from British Dominions; what price has been paid to date for tea imported from the Dominions; what price will be paid in future; how far this price is now agreed by the growers; and what effect the new prices will have on future prices of tea in this country.

Dr. Summerskill

Devaluation will only affect a relatively small quantity of tea, from Pakistan, and the average sterling cost of all teas under existing Ministry contracts will be only slightly increased. The prices paid vary considerably according to quality. Negotiations for next year's supplies and prices have not yet begun.