§ 91. Mr. W. Fletcherasked the Minister of Food whether the arrangement recently made by the Tripartite Commission in Siam that 50 per cent. of foreign currency received from the sale of the commodity should be paid to the producer or holder thereof, has now been extended to rice.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir. The Siamese Government have issued a regulation that 10 per cent. of foreign currency accruing from the sales of rice should be paid to the exporters thereof. This arrangement came into operation on 30th January, 1947.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that 50 per cent. is being paid to producers of most other commodities and that as 50 per cent. is being paid she will not get her rice if only 50 per cent. is paid to exporters? Is she also aware that this is contrary to the advice of her own advisers on the spot?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. Member has special knowledge of the subject and should know that 50 per cent. is paid for teak and rubber, and there are only small exports of these commodities. We cannot dictate to the Siamese Government.
§ Mr. FletcherThey dictate to the Department.