asked the Minister of Food to what extent tea is now being exported to this country from the Netherlands East Indies; at what prices for high or low grown teas or at what average price; and how these prices compare with the prices of Ceylon and Indian teas.

No tea suitable for the United Kingdom market has so far been offered for export from the Netherlands East Indies; but the Ministry are ready to take advantage of any supplies from that source as soon as they are available.

asked the Minister of Food on what terms as regards quantity and price he has agreed to purchase under bulk contract future supplies of tea from India and Ceylon.

Negotiations for the purchase of tea from India and Ceylon are still proceeding.