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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Supplies.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state what efforts have been made to purchase additional supplies of tea to meet the country's requirements.

It is not practicable in present circumstances to purchase additional supplies of tea.

Mr. Byrne

Can the Minister give any reason as to why it is not practicable?

Because there is no tea to buy.

Mr. Byrne

I have read otherwise in newspapers and trade journals.

The entire tea crop of India has been purchased by Great Britain on behalf of the United nations, and, even if tea were available in that part of the world which we could purchase, we have no ships in which to bring it over here.

Mr. Byrne

Is our supply not contained in the British purchases?

Certainly.

Mr. Byrne

Why can we not get an increased supply if they are getting it?

Because they are not willing to give us an increased supply.

Mr. Byrne

I read in trade journals that Great Britain is getting an increased supply, and if they are our agents, purchasing tea for us, we should get our share.

They are not purchasing tea as our agents.

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