HC Deb 04 November 1943 vol 393 c843
25. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that there is in existence a new method of milling rice, a British invention, which not only preserves the vital germ of the grain but results in a larger product; that this method has been taken up in the United States of America and is about to be taken up in this country; and whether will consider the introduction of this modern milling technique into India with a view to mitigating any future rice shortage?

The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)

I have heard of the process to which I presume the honourable Member refers. There are certain drawbacks to its application, even to the 27 per cent. of Indian rice that is not hand pounded, but if the honourable Member has any information on the subject that he would like to furnish, I will consider communicating it to the Government of India.

Mr. Molson

Has it been possible, as a result of the famine conditions, to do anything to reduce the amount of polishing of Indian rice?

Mr. Amery

Yes, Sir. I think efforts have been made in that direction.

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