HC Deb 18 October 1950 vol 478 cc2030-2
24. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what quantities of rubber were shipped to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the other Communist-governed countries from British Colonies during each of the two most recent years for which figures are available.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Since there are a large number of figures involved I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Keeling

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the present shipments tend to be larger or smaller than in the two years for which he is giving the figures?

Mr. Griffiths

I think that it would be better if the hon. Member awaited the detailed information which I am giving him.

Mr. Keeling

That has nothing to do with it. I am asking if the present shipments are more or less than those for the two years for which the right hon. Gentleman is giving figures.

Mr. Griffiths

I think I can say that there is no significant or appreciable increase.

Mr. Edelman

Is it not shameful that at a time when British troops are fighting Communists in Malaya, Malayan producers should be selling vast quantities of rubber at considerable profit to the Soviet Union? Would my right hon. Friend attempt to obtain the co-operation of the hon. Member for Bury (Mr. W. Fletcher) in this matter?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Because the particular phrasing of the hon. Gentleman's question may give rise to the impression that the producers are selling this rubber solely for profit, will the Minister make it plain that the question of sales or not to Russia or satellite countries is entirely in the hands of His Majesty's Government, on whom alone the decision rests?

Mr. W. Fletcher

On a point of order. As the hon. Member for Coventry, North (Mr. Edelman), mentioned me in a very deleterious way, cannot I have the opportunity of putting a question, Sir?

Mr. Speaker

I did not hear the hon. Member's name mentioned.

SHIPMENTS OF RUBBER FROM BRITISH COLONIES, PROTECTORATES AND PROTECTED STATES TO CERTAIN DESTINATIONS IN 1948 AND 1949
— Malaya Hong Kong Sarawak Nigeria Total
1948 1949 1948 1949 1948 1949 1948 1949 1948 1949
Bulgaria 350 342 — — — — — — 350 342
China 9,465 6,990 7,069 16,414 — — — — 16,534 23,404
Czechoslovakia 4,377 4,641 — — — — 935 1,212 5,312 5,853
Hungary — 285 — — — — — — — 285
Korea — 2,390 4,646 4,982* — — — — 4,646 7,372
Poland 1,940 7,909 — — — — — — 1,940 7,909
Roumania 1,492 1,132 — — — — — — 1,492 1,132
U.S.S.R. 103,593 63,414 — — — 50 — — 103,593 63,464
Yugoslavia — 125 — — — — — — — 125
Total 121,217 87,228 11,715 21,396 — 50 935 1,212 133,867 109,886
* Of which 1,328 tons to North Korea.
Mr. Fletcher

Further to that point of order. The hon. Member for Bury, who is myself, was definitely mentioned in a most deleterious sense. May I therefore put a question?

Mr. Speaker

It never reached me; therefore, I have no knowledge of it.

Mr. Fletcher

It will be in HANSARD tomorrow.

Mr. Griffiths

I was asked to give information about the amount of rubber. That is a question of policy which, I think, ought to be put on the Order Paper.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be quite fair to say that large numbers of planters in Malaya deeply regret the destination to which the rubber goes, and that the destination of that rubber is in the hands of His Majesty's Government?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Speaker

We are a long way from the original Question.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Dirty dog.

Mr. Speaker

I heard an hon. Member say "Dirty dog." That hon. Member will please withdraw that at once.

Mr. Fletcher

I have the honour to withdraw, under your direction Mr. Speaker.

Following is the reply: