§ 83. Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Food if he will introduce a measure to control the price of tea.
§ 84. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the price of tea has increased six times in the last 12 months, and doubled since decontrol; and if he will investigate the present methods of purchase and distribution, with a view to reimposing control.
§ 89. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Food in view of continuing increase in the retail price of tea, whether he will institute an inquiry into the levels of profit margins in order to provide guidance on the desirability of the imposition of price controls.
Dr. HillI would refer the hon. Members to the reply given on 14th December to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis).
§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the many increases in the price of tea during the past 18 months; and whether, as a means of reducing the price of tea, he will investigate the possibility of assisting tea importers to import tea from China, and thus assist in reducing tea prices generally.
Mr. AmoryTea may be imported freely from China and the trade can be relied upon to import any suitable tea which is available for export.