33. Mr. Driberǵasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present ration of rice and other basic foodstuffs in Malaya; and if he is satisfied that it is sufficient to maintain life and health without recourse to black market purchases.
Mr. Creech JonesI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 23rd October to my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Mr. Rees-Williams) about the rice rations in the Malayan Union and Singapore Colony. The other rationed foodstuffs are flour, of which the ration is 4½ ozs. daily, and sugar, of which the ration is 4 ozs. a week. Extra rations of cereals are given to heavy workers. These low rations have to be supplemented, especially in urban areas, by purchases of other foodstuffs. Bread is sold at controlled prices, but the prices of other foods to supplement the cereals ration are not controlled.
Mr. DriberǵAm I to take it from that that the answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative?
Mr. Creech JonesNo, Sir. Of course, I am not satisfied, but everything that can be done is being done.
§ Lieut.-Commander Joynson-HicksCan the Secretary of State now say whether the probability of starvation has been avoided in this territory?
Mr. Creech JonesI think there is a degree of suffering, but I think that so far as resources could be mobilised they have been mobilised.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsWill the Minister inform the House why the ration of rice in the city of Penang is only three-quarters of the ration in the city of Singapore, a fact which is causing a lot of dissatisfaction in Malaya?
Mr. Creech JonesA long explanation is called for, and if the hon. Member will see me afterwards I think I can give it to him satisfactorily.
Mr. DriberǵWill my right hon. Friend please circulate that long explanation in the OFFICIAL REPORT?