§ 85. Mr. T. Reidasked the Minister of Food if, in the interests of the British consumer, he will make representations to the countries concerned to abolish or reduce the export duty on tea sent to this country when the market price of tea falls to such an extent that exporters must pass on this export duty or part of it to the consumer in Britain if they are not to sell their tea at a loss.
Dr. HillMy right hon. Friend understands that legislation is to be introduced in India to provide a sliding scale of export duty to accord with major changes in the export price of tea. He feels sure that other tea producing countries are aware of the importance of tea exports to their economy and of the effect of an export tax upon the sales of their teas on a falling market.