andMr. Desmond asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that there are widespread complaints in connection with the quality of tea now sold at the ration price and, if so, if he will state if there are grounds for such complaints and whether he considers that tea of a better quality could be issued without an increase in price; and, if so, will he take steps to see that the quality is so improved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quality of Rationed Tea.
My attention has been drawn to complaints about the quality of rationed tea published in the Journal of R.G.D.A.T.A. on February 10th, 1951. I understand that the quality is as satisfactory as possible having regard to the grades, types and price of tea available but some improvement may be possible when the new season teas are imported
Would the Minister be prepared to accept the statement of a reputable tea dealer that if a better quality of tea were made available, even at a higher price, it would eventually work out more cheaply because it would give 100 cups to the pound as against 50 cups to the pound in the case of the inferior tea, and that it would represent a saving to the people eventually? That is the definite view of the trade.
I think it is fairly correct to say that if a higher proportion of dearer teas were introduced the quality would be better but, of course, the price would be substantially higher.
Pro rata would not the price be cheaper ultimately?
I doubt that. All quality teas are purchased and sold in the prescribed proportions to the merchants responsible for the mixing of them.
The quality is very poor.
Would the Minister care to accept samples which have been sent to me by a reputable tea dealer, have them examined, and then say if he is prepared to accept the truth of the statement?
In the past year, of the total teas purchased, 43 per cent. were described as low grade, 41 per cent. as medium grade, and 16 per cent. as good. These different grades were mixed to get tea at the standard price. If we purchased more of the dearer grade, the quality would be better but the price would be substantially higher
But the yield would be better.
Could the Minister give any indication as to the quality of the standard tea being sold at the present rate as against the same standard of tea prior to 1939?
Would the Minister say if the arrangements for mixing the various grades are such as to ensure a uniform distribution of the different grades of tea? Traders and the public have the experience that at particular periods the quality falls below the normal standard.
It is possible that at the present time the teas being sold have been longer in stock than they would be at other periods of the year. Each wholesaler gets the same proportion of the different grades of tea and, presumably, it is in his own interest to make the best mixture in order to market tea of the highest quality. It is true that before 1939 we had all grades of tea sold at different prices by different merchants. Now there is a standard quality of tea sold at a standard price and, of course, that means that people who want to get a better quality tea at a higher price have not that opportunity.