§ 36. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the quantity purchased, and the price paid per pound, for the rubber which was taken over by the Government in respect to contracts made in Singapore and Malaya with China before the destinational controls were imposed.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe only quantity so far purchased is a cargo of 740 tons originally consigned to China in the s.s. "Nor Bay" which was refused clearance. This cargo was taken over at a cost of 5s. per pound landed at Singapore subject to a fractional adjustment now under consideration.
§ Mr. AwberyCan my right hon. Friend say whether this is the inflated price which is offered by the purchasers in China, and whether the vendors of the rubber in Malaya were aware that it may be used against the United Nations in Korea?
§ Mr. GriffithsI think that this price was about right at that time.