§ Earl WINTERTON (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for the 7 Colonies what action His Majesty's Government propose to take with regard to the agreement made between the rubber growers of various countries for the regulation of rubber supplies?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERHis Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have received a request from the Rubber Growers' Association to give effect to the agreement, in so far as it relates to the Colonial Empire, and they have decided, after consultation with the Colonial Governments, to take the necessary measures for this purpose, subject to similar undertakings being given by the other Governments concerned.
§ Sir EDWARD CAMPBELLIs my right hon. Friend assured in his own mind that the proposed scheme is practicable, and can he say when he or any of the Governments concerned propose taking the necessary action to put it into force?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWith regard to the second part of the question, as far as our territories are concerned, we hope to put it into force as from 1st June. I have every reason to hope and believe that that will be equally possible in other territories. Speed in this matter, as I am sure the House will agree, is very important. With regard to the first part of the question, I have made it very plain to the House on many occasions that His Majesty's Government would not enter into an agreement unless they were satisfied that it was comprehensive, fair, and practicable, and I should like to add that on this matter I have been at great pains to get the considered judgment of those who are fully acquainted with the industry and best able to judge. In a letter addressed to me by the chairman of the Rubber Growers' Association of the United Kingdom he writes this :
My council, who have been in touch with all the negotiations, consider that the agreement is sound, administratively practicable in all the territories concerned, and advisable in the interests of the industry.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONCan my right hon. Friend say how the interests of the native rubber growers are dealt with?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERCertainly, I can speak for the territories for 8 which I am responsible. The native rubber grower in Malaya will be dealt with in exactly the same manner as the large plantation.
§ Earl WINTERTONI was not quite clear from my right hon. Friend's answer whether there had also been discussion of this matter with the Dominion Governments, who are to a certain extent affected.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, I do not think the Dominion Governments are affected at all. I do not think there is any production of rubber in any of the Dominions.
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELAre the interests of the consumers also considered?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTEROh, yes. I am very glad my right hon. Friend ha" raised that point, because this proposal contains a feature which I think is unique in any regulation scheme hitherto proposed or introduced, namely, that representatives of consumers shall be associated with the council administering the scheme.