§ 43. Mr. Ian Winterbottomasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the increase in the price of rice in Hong Kong over the last three months; and what measures are the Government of Hong Kong taking to stabilise the commodity.
Mr. DugdaleIt is understood from the Governor of Hong Kong that there has been no increase in the price of rationed rice for several months. The cost of free market rice fluctuates, but has fallen by at least 13 per cent. in the last three months. In addition, ample supplies of unrationed cheap grade rice have been available. In these circumstances, the last part of the Question does not appear to arise.