§ 50. Mr. T. Reidasked the Minister of Food how, in fixing selling prices of tea, he ascertains the percentage of expensive high-grown flavoured teas and of low-grown, cheap, common teas in the blended packets sold; and how he secures quality in proportion to price.
28W
Dr. HillThe Tea (Prices) Order confines the range of blends to those on sale on 1st February, 1947, and prescribes the maximum addition which may be made to the prices on that date. Successive Governments have secured the close cooperation of the trade in carrying out the requirements of this Order and my right hon. and gallant Friend is satisfied that this co-operation continues.
§ 51. Mr. F. Willeyasked the Minister of Food what it is estimated will be the price of the best blends of tea when the subsidy is withdrawn on 15th June.
Dr. HillThere are several thousand individual blends. The trade have undertaken to market sound quality teas at 3s. 8d., 3s. 10d. and 4s. per lb. after 15th June. I cannot say how far other teas will be sold below maximum prices. but as the hon. Member knows this is a highly competitive trade.