§ 2. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the President of the Board of Trade how much rubber was in Government hands at the latest available date; and what is the cost per lb.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Stafford Cripps)On 27th December last Government stocks of natural rubber in the United Kingdom were 0164,048 tons with an average c.i.f. cost of 14⅝d. per lb.
§ Sir W. SmithersWould the right hon. and learned Gentleman say, in view of the publication of the White Paper on economic conditions and his speech in the country, what loss there is to the taxpayer? Will he repeat his decision to restore a free market for the rubber commodity and stop the suicidal policy of bulk purchasing in this country? May I' have an answer, please?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe answer is in the negative.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteIs not the present stock price of rubber 3d. lower than that indicated by the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Sir S. CrippsUntil more arrivals come from Singapore, rubber "is at present being sold at 15 13/16ths pence per lb.