asked the Minister for Local Government why, in view of the fact that lowest grade tea has been reduced by 4d., per lb., the combined purchasing section's lists for the coming year show an increased price for tea of 8d. per lb., over the lowest price listed last year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Tea.
The price of tea supplied to local authorities during the current contract year was fixed in December, 1953, after due consideration of reports of the supply position as it existed at that time.
The price fixed, 4/4 per lb., was considered to be the lowest at which tea of reasonably good quality might be obtained.
The tea at present supplied to local authorities is not the lowest grade tea but is a blend of ten different grades. The recent reduction in the price of the lowest grade tea is offset by increases in the prices of five of the remaining grades used in the blend.
No alteration was made in the price of tea for the coming year, but, as the Deputy is no doubt aware, arrangements exist under which any reduction in the prices of commodities for which contractors are appointed is passed on to local authorities.
Can the Minister state whether or not the listed price of this year is a true reflection of the increase in the price of the same grade of tea over last year—in other words, an increase of 8d. per lb. on that particular grade?
The price was fixed by my predecessor in December, 1953. Of course, it is by tender. That is the only information I can give the Deputy at this stage.
Can we take it that the grade of tea sold last year from this list at 3/8 per lb. is the same grade of tea as that which is being charged for at the rate of 4/4 per lb. this year?
I am not in a position to tell the Deputy. I can only tell what the grade of tea supplied this year is. I have no control over or information about tea supplied last year.