§ 10. Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in opening up jungle areas in Malaya under the Rural and Industrial Development Authority under the chairmanship of Dato Onn.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI have no details of specific plans and schemes. The Authority has, of course, been in existence only 2070 since September, 1950, and much preliminary planning will have been necessary. I have asked to be regularly informed of progress in order that due publicity may be given to this imaginative and far-reaching scheme.
§ 25. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a group of Malays, Chinese and Indians applied to the Rural and Industrial Development Authority in the Karang area of Kuala Selangor, Malaya, for a loan to purchase a rice mill to be run on cooperative lines; what assistance was given; and how far the example of the three races getting together on a cooperative basis is being encouraged.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsNo such application has been made to the Rural and Industrial Development Authority, but before the establishment of the Authority Government assistance was given to the Tanjong Karang Mill project. Co-operation between races is encouraged by the Authority and a new pineapple grading scheme in Johore, for example, will cater for Malay and Chinese small growers.
§ Mr. AwberyIs my right hon. Friend aware that one of the greatest problems in Malaya is to get the Chinese, the Malays and the Indians to work together? When applications of this character are made, will he deal with them expeditiously?
§ Mr. GriffithsI have given my very fullest support to all projects of this kind by and through which the races can cooperate and build up harmony between each other.