HC Deb 12 March 1952 vol 497 c1364
17. Mr. S. S. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken by the Government of the Federation of Malaya to encourage thrift, credit and producers' co-operatives which would assist the smallholders in the replanting of rubber.

Mr. Lyttelton

Although there are 19 co-operatives concerned with rubber marketing, there is none at present specifically organised for replanting of rubber. Replanting by smallholders is to be provided for from the proceeds of the cess on rubber exports of which the estimated share of the smallholders to date is some£3 million. The board set up to administer the fund derived from the cess will consider whether co-operatives can be utilised in the furtherance of replanting schemes for smallholders.

Mr. Awbery

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the smallholders in Malaya produce a very large amount of rubber, which produces dollars for us? Will he do everything possible to prevent them from being driven out of business and assist to prevent them from falling into the hands of the local moneylenders?

Mr. Lyttelton

That is the object of raising this cess—to assist the smallholders to replant.