asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Government of Ceylon has decided to reduce the export duty on tea to 1/6 per lb., and, if so, what effect such reduction will have on tea prices in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Prices.
I am informed that the reduction in the export duty on Ceylon tea recently announced by the Government of Ceylon is approximately 5½d. per lb. The reduction will have no immediate effect on tea prices in this country, since, as the Deputy is aware, tea is being sold at substantially less than the economic price. I should, perhaps, mention that the great bulk of the demand in this country is for Indian tea.