asked the Minister of Food to what extent the export duty on tea, recently levied by the Government of Ceylon, will fall on the British consumer or taxpayer.

The full export duty will be payable by the Ministry of Food on all Ceylon tea imported into this country. Consideration is being given to the extent to which this shall be passed on to the consumer.

Does not that mean that the British taxpayer has to bear the duty? Is the hon. Lady aware that, on 11th February last, the Colonial Secretary informed the House that export duties in the Colonies were borne by the producer, and not by the consumer, and that, when sales are made under bulk purchase contracts, provision is normally made in the agreements covering the arrangement to prevent the purchaser having to bear any new or additional export duties imposed by the Colonial Government concerned, and, further, why was that not done in this particular case?

I cannot add to it because no decision has been come to.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Several Hon. Members:

rose—

The hon. Gentleman has given notice that he proposes to raise the matter on the Adjournment, and, therefore, it cannot be discussed any further now.