HC Deb 04 April 1928 vol 215 cc1946-7
46. Sir MERVYN MANNINGHAMBULLER

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to give the House any information as to the result of the inquiry into the rubber industry?

48. Mr. BROCKLEBANK

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to make any statement upon the rubber inquiry?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

I thank the House for allowing me to make this statement early in Questions. The Government have received the Report of the Committee of Civil Research on the question of rubber restriction, and they have decided that all restrictions on the export of rubber from British Malaya and Ceylon will be removed on the 1st November, 1928, the existing scheme being continued unaltered in the meantime.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

May I ask why there are restrictions on rubber? I want to ask you, Mr. Speaker, why this question, which I hope is in proper form, is not replied to, and no attention is paid to it?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not think it arises here.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

The Prime Minister distinctly stated that the restrictions had been removed——

HON. MEMBERS

Will be removed!

Mr. KIRKWOOD

My question was arising from that reply. I want to ask: Why should there be any restriction?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think I could reassure the hon. Member, but it would take quite a quarter of an hour to explain, and undoubtedly there will be a Debate on the subject, when full information will be given.

Sir FRANK NELSON

Does the removal of the rubber export restriction require the sanction of this House?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should like notice of that question, but I think it can be done by order of the Colonial Office.

Sir F. NELSON

May I ask, alternatively, whether, before the restriction is actually removed, there will be any chance of debating it and all the circumstances leading up to it?

Mr. MACLEAN

If this House has no right either to remove or impose restrictions, what is the use of having a Debate on the matter?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter to-morrow.