Grease and flour a 7" cake tin.

Sift the flour, spice, salt and bicarbonate of soda together.

Pour the tea into a saucepan, add the margarine or cooking fat, sugar and dried fruit.

Heat until the fat and sugar melt and then boil for 2 - 3 mins.

Allow to cool slightly.

Pour on to the flour mixture, beat well and spoon into the tin.

Bake in the centre of a moderate oven for 11/2 hours.