§ 90. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the rice ration in Malaya has been reduced by two-thirds of a pound per week and that the average consumption of rice is now one-third of what it was before the war; and what steps he is taking to remedy this situation.
Mr. Creech JonesNo. The ordinary rice ration has not been cut. A temporary bonus issue was made possible during August to October last by a windfall import. I do not agree with the hon. Member's estimate of present average consumption in comparison with pre-war. Moreover, comparison must take account of the availability of flour off the ration. As a result of steps taken Malayan production of milled rice this year should be nearly 100,000 tons above two years ago.