HC Deb 23 March 1978 vol 946 cc653-4W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether, when considering what action to take on tea prices for the consumer, he will bear in mind that the Brooke Bond Liebig Group has recorded an extra £6 million profit for the first half of its current trading and that its total profit was £22,647,000.

Mr. Hattersley

In considering possible action on tea prices I have of course considered all relevant factors, including the profitability of the industry. As I announced yesterday in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East (Mr. Thomas), the reductions in tea prices reported to me by the Price Commission make it unnecessary for me to take any statutory measures.