§ 16. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the governor of British Guiana has declined to remove the embargo on the export of rice from the Colony, which was established as a precautionary measure during the War; whether there is any justification for this control of an important local industry two and a half years after the cessation of hostilities; whether he is aware that the continuance of control is causing grave dissatisfaction in the Colony and discontent and distress among the grocers; and whether he will recommend to His Excellency the desirability of the removal of the embargo, so that the important rice industry may return to its normal condition and its progress be governed by the ordinary 217 laws of supply and demand, having regard especially to the fact that there is now ample rice available for general requirements?
Mr. WOODThe Governor reported in November, 1920, that, owing to a probable shortage in the supply of rice before the 1921 crop could be harvested, he had prohibited the export until October, 1921. He is still satisfied that the supply for local requirements is not excessive, and, as contracts have been made on the basis of the Government's policy for the year as announced in the autumn of 1920, I consider that intervention on my part would be justified neither by the interests of the consumer nor by those of the industry as a whole. I have no doubt that the Governor will remove the prohibition at the earliest practicable date.