Cost of Living

HC Deb 23 June 1948 vol 452 c1335

18. Dr. Guest

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the cost of living in Singapore now compares with the cost in December, 1947; and the cost of rice at the latest available date.

Mr. Creech Jones

I have asked the Governor of Singapore for this information and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have his reply.

Dr. Guest

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the cost of living in Singapore has risen during the last 12 months?

Mr. Creech Jones

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

As regards the cost of rice, will the right hon. Gentleman get the two prices—the official price and the open market price—both of which are used by the Government and everybody else?

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does not the Colonial Secretary get this information sent over every so often so that he is kept up to date with what is going on? Why will he have to telegraph?