§ 5. Mr. Thomas Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the strong black market operating in Singapore, he will urge the adoption of a rationing system through the rice ration card for the distribution of textiles and other goods.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Governor informs me that so far from there being a strong black market in Singapore, price control is becoming increasingly effective and prices, particularly of textiles, have fallen steadily and substantially. The possibility of widening the rationing system to include other commodities was closely examined more than once last year when the shortages were most acute, but the conclusion was reached that in an area in which the different sections of the population have such different requirements and tastes, this would be unpopular and impracticable. Alternative methods, which have proved increasingly effective, were accordingly adopted.