HC Deb 02 May 1927 vol 205 cc1255-6
21. Mr. CAMPBELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will supply a Return showing the tonnage of rubber represented by unused rights and by unused coupons in Ceylon and Malaya, separately and respectively, for each month from October, 1926, to date?

Mr. AMERY

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. CAMPBELL

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I ask, in view of the great importance of these figures, whether it would be possible to print the figures monthly? They are very important to all those interested in rubber and perhaps my right hon. Friend could see his way to have them brought over by letter and printed in the official documents.

Mr. AMERY

I will consider that.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it not possible to cancel these unused coupons? If a man does not use his coupons it shows he does not need them?

Mr. AMERY

It has been found impossible to do so.

Following is the answer:

Ceylon.
Unused Rubber Coupons. Tons.
Carry-over from October, 1926 14,928
Exportable maximum for November, December and January (each month) 4,923
Actual exports:
November 4,228
December 6,498
January 6,753

Ledger credits.—There are no ledger credits in Ceylon.

Malaya.
Tons.
Carry-over from October, 1926:
Producers' ledger credits 17,236
Held by dealers with rights 6,328
Total 23,544
Issued. November:
Credits 42,126
Coupons 13,698
Issued. December.
Credits 6,654
Coupons 1,342
Issued. January:
Credits 787
Coupons 1,047
Carry-over to February:
Producers' ledger credits 12,350
Held by dealers with rights 6,357
Total 18,707

Note.—The amount held by dealers includes almost all surplus coupons. It is impossible to state the balance of surplus coupons in the hands of small producers.