HC Deb 01 November 1949 vol 469 c208
59. Mr. Gammans

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what quantity of rubber has been purchased from British territories in South-East Asia by the United States since 1st January, 1949, for the purpose of stock-piling; what agreement was reached in Washington regarding any increased rate of purchase for this purpose; and how much is likely to be so purchased up to the end of this year.

Mr. Jay

Total exports of rubber from these territories to the United States from 1st January to 31st August were 164,908 tons but the United States Government does not publish figures of the quantities taken into the stockpile. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the communiqué issued after the Tripartite Talks in Washington (Cmd. 7788) to which I have nothing to add. As regards the third part, this depends on United States Government policy and I can form no estimate, although I am glad to say the United States have recently announced that they are resuming their purchases.

Mr. Gammans

May I ask the hon. Gentleman two questions? First, is he aware that after the Washington talks we were given to understand that there were to be considerable purchases of rubber for stock-piling purposes; could he say if those expectations are likely to be realised to the extent on which the hon. Gentleman and the Government banked? Secondly, is the hon. Gentleman aware that since devaluation the dollar price of rubber has gone down and that, therefore, we are getting less dollars for our rubber than before devaluation?

Mr. Jay

In answer to the first part of the question, as I said, stock-piling purchases are being resumed—

Mr. Gammans

To what extent?

Mr. Jay

In answer to the second part of the question, I am quite aware of that.