asked the Minister of Food what are his intentions with regard to the future purchase of tea; and if he will allow this to be done by private traders.

Government purchase of tea will cease when present contracts for last year's crop are completed. The London Tea Market has now re-opened, and all supplies will soon be privately imported.

Now that the right hon. Gentleman is on the right road, would he apply this method to the purchase of other foodstuffs as well?

Is the Minister aware that it was announced this morning that he had said that the freeing of this market would result in securing more and better tea? Why does not he apply that principle to all food markets, and get rid of bulk purchasing?