asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the large stocks of tea in this country and the fact that many people are not drawing their full allowance, he will discontinue the rationing of tea in the near future.

asked the Minister of Food if he can hold out hope of an early cessation of tea rationing.

I cannot hold out any hope of an early cessation of tea rationing. As the estimated world production of tea for 1947 falls considerably below world demand, there is likely to be increasing competition for these short supplies.

Can my hon. Friend give any indication whether more or less tea would he consumed if rationing ceased?

If rationing ceased, only those who could pay the higher price would get tea.

Can the hon. Lady tell the House how many officials are employed in the rationing of tea?

That is another question.

Is the hon. Lady aware that the shortage of tea—to the extent that there is a shortage—is due to the closing of the tea auctions in Mincing Lane?

No, Sir.