§ 10. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government intend to take any steps, either by way of restriction of production, limitation of shipments, export duty, or otherwise to assist the rubber industry; and whether they will negotiate with other Governments concerned to secure common action?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the late Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to the hon. Member for Bromley (Mr. Campbell) on the 6th March last. The matter will continue to receive my close attention; but, as at present advised, I do not think that I could usefully add anything to the statement made on behalf of my predecessor.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it not a fact that the reply to which the right hon. Gentleman refers did not indicate any action?
§ Mr. THOMASYes, but it pre-supposed no attempt at restriction.
§ 13. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any particulars as to the number of rubber estates, with acreage, in the Federated Malay States and Ceylon which have either ceased tapping or restricted their operations owing to the fall in the price of rubber?
§ Mr. THOMASI am afraid that the particulars asked for are not available.
§ 18. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have now had any communications or conversations with the Dutch authorities as to measures which might be taken to assist the rubber industry; and whether he can make a statement as to the views of the Governments of the Malay States and Ceylon upon this question?
§ Mr. THOMASThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part of the question, I do not think that I could usefully make any statement at this stage.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider sympathetically any proposals which may be 'submitted?
§ Mr. THOMASIf I were to say that I would consider them sympathetically, it might lead to considerable misunderstanding. I am prepared to consider any proposals on their merits.