§ 8. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what effect the Government scheme for encouraging replanting has had upon the rubber estates in Malaya; how many extra acres were replanted in 1955 and 1956; and what the amount of the grants made under the scheme for both these years was.
§ Mr. ProfumoIt is too early to assess the effect of the replanting scheme since figures are available only for 1955, the 176 first year of its operation. In that year, 65,000 acres were replanted, against 37,000 acres in 1953 and 47,000 in 1954. If all the replanting in 1955 is found eligible, grants will amount to 25.8 million dollars, payable in five annual instalments; 4.8 million dollars has been paid to date. In addition, retrospective grants at a lower rate, totalling 5.7 million dollars have been paid in respect of replanting in the two previous years.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that sufficient assistance is being given to abolish the low-yield trees and to plant in their place high-yield rubber trees?
§ Mr. ProfumoYes, I am quite satisfied. That is the whole reason for the scheme.