asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the total imports of tea into this country for the years 1982, 1983, and the first quarter of 1984; the estimated value of these imports; the country from which these imports originate; and the reason for changes if such exist in the importation pattern.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Imports.
16.
Total imports of tea were: 10,647 tonnes valued at £14.1 million in 1982; 11,945 tonnes valued at £19.3 million in 1983; and 2,642 tonnes valued at £5.5 million in January-February 1984, which are the latest figures available.
The main supplying countries were India and Kenya which between them accounted for 65 per cent of total imports in 1982, 70 per cent in 1983 and 74 per cent during the period January-February 1984. Other suppliers, but on a much smaller scale, were Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Tanzania and Malawi. Such changes as occurred in the importation pattern during the period would appear to have been caused by normal market forces.
Is the Minister aware that there have been considerable fluctuations in the price of tea very recently in the retail distribution networks of the country and that it is causing considerable confusion to the housewife, and that there is concern that there might be some change in the importation pattern? It does not appear from the Minister's reply that that is so, but I ask him to concern himself with the fluctuations that exist in this matter at this time, and to let us know the reason why.
Like all agricultural products, tea particularly is liable to fairly wide fluctuations depending on climatic conditions and also the fact that it is a commodity and hence relatively easily traded. We must be prepared to accept that there will be fluctuations in tea prices.
Is it subject to the National Prices Commission?
That was not one of the questions the Deputy asked but to the best of my recollection it is.
It is not all Barry's tea.
He might ask them for a report on recent price fluctuations.
I am almost certain they report regularly on that subject anyway.