HC Deb 08 February 1977 vol 925 cc662-3W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will support the creation of a common fund to finance diversification on buffer stocks under an international tea agreement.

Mr. Meacher

Pending further international work on the case for a common fund, and on the financial needs of a new tea agreement, it is too early to say whether such finance would be necessary.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what pressure he is exerting on British companies to improve wages and conditions of tea estate workers in East Africa and India, in the light of higher profits now accruing from tea production.

Mr. Dell

I look to all companies, either wholly or partially British owned, to follow enlightened employment and

Imports Exports
Thousand pairs £'000 cif Thousand pairs £'000 fob
1974 81,286 108,999 18,377 47,110
1975 79,081 123,103 17,179 52,760
1976 97,367 165,278 18,202 68,089