§ 36. Mr. S. S. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made by the Rural Industrial Development Corporation in Malaya; and what is the total of the loans made by it to assist in relieving the poverty of the Malayan peasants and fishermen and in assisting marketing and credit co-operatives.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am sending the hon. Member a copy of the first progress report, dealing with the period up to the end of June. I shall send a further report when it becomes available.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Ceylon co-operative producing, marketing and consumer schemes have been working with great satisfaction? Is he aware that this is the best way of protecting the peasants and fishermen from exploitation, and will he stress the importance of this form of assistance to the Rural Industrial Development Corporation?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf real value is to come from this highly valuable development it must be because we build carefully and patiently. We shall be very glad indeed to profit from the admirable example of Ceylon.
§ Mr. G. R. MitchisonWill the right hon. Gentleman make copies of the report available in the Library?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will certainly see that copies are put in the Library.