§ 18. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the production of rubber from the smallholdings in Malaya dropped in 1952 by 30,000 tons as compared with 1951: and what steps are being taken to encourage the smallholders to cultivate rubber.
§ Mr. LytteltonYes, Sir; the fall in production reflects a fall in price. Smallholders are being helped financially and technically to replant with trees giving high yields and to improve the quality of their rubber.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that the large estates have all the necessary machinery and facilities for replanting, and will he see that the smallholders are assisted by a co-operative system in the same way as the larger plantations are?
§ Mr, LytteltonThe hon. Member is surely aware that special arrangements have been made to help the smallholder to replant high yielding rubber trees. That is the most effective way which we know of carrying out the objects which the hon. Member and I have in common.
§ Mr. AwberyHas this fact been made known to the small planters?