§ 54. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what effects the production of synthetic rubber in this country is expected to have upon the chief article of export from Malaya to Great Britain.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydProvided that the efficiency of the Malayan rubber industry can be maintained and improved, I do not expect that the industry will be affected by the proposed production of synthetic rubber in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Secretary of State aware that last year we purchased 13,000 tons of synthetic rubber from America, that we are arranging to produce 64,000 tons yearly and that this is bound to affect the rubber industry of Malaya? Will he look at the problem with a view to ensuring that the rubber industry is not affected?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI do not believe that that is so. The proposed output is less than 6 per cent. of the present world output of synthetic rubber. The hon. Member himself yesterday asked: 1248
If it is necessary to purchase synthetic rubber, why cannot we produce it in this country more than we do?"—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th March, 1956; Vol. 550, c. 995.]That is what we are now setting out to do.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that America has jumped up the production of synthetic rubber by 350,000 tons a year to 1 million tons? That is bound to have an effect on the rubber industry of the world.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo. I am very conscious of my obligations in regard to the natural rubber industry of Malaya. I discussed the matter with the Chief Minister of the Federation when he was over here, and I am glad to know that manufacturers' representatives will shortly visit the Federation to discuss rubber matters with the Rubber Producers' Council. This is eminently a sphere where the producers of both synthetic and natural rubber can, with Government aid, work out a proper arrangement.
§ 55. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions the Chief Minister of Malaya, Tengku Abdul Rahman, had with him on the raising of the embargo on the export of rubber from Malaya to China during his recent visit; and what was the nature of his reply.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend the Minister of State's reply to the hon. Member for Deptford (Sir L. Plummer) on 14th February.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that Ceylon is sending 60,000 tons of rubber to China, while no export from Malaya is allowed, thus taking the trade away from Malaya? Will he take steps to ensure that Malaya as well as Ceylon gets an opportunity to export to China?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI also discussed this matter with the Chief Minister of the Federation, and we both agreed that we would not talk about it publicly at this stage.