asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the grave inconvenience and discomfort that will arise from the curtailment of the tea ration from threequarters of an ounce to half an ounce per head—especially during the months of July, August and September, when the harvest is being saved; and, in view of this, if he will reconsider his decision and restore the former allowance of three-quarters of an ounce of tea to each person in Éire.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Ration.
The reduction of the weekly tea ration to one half-ounce as from the 1st July becomes necessary by reason of the fact that the stocks of tea purchased abroad, under my directions, by Tea Importers (Éire) Limited, have diminished to such an extent that they would supplement present supplies from the United Kingdom for the purpose of maintaining the three-quarter ounce weekly ration for a very limited period only. I regret that, in the circumstances, the decision to reduce the ration as from July 1st must be maintained.