§ 13. Mr. Oramasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what advice is being given by the Government of the Gambia to rice growers to prevent them over-polishing their rice crops and thus running the risk of causing beri-beri.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Gambia Government give advice on the parboiled method used elsewhere, provides demonstrations of milling processes designed to preserve the germ, and encourages the selection of a white strain which will breed true and suit the local taste.
§ Mr. OramBut is the hon. Gentleman aware that a local trader has installed a rice-polishing machine which over-polishes the rice, with the dangers to health implied in my Question? Will he encourage the establishment of co-operatives, so that the farmers may own 1017 their own hand rice-milling machines, which I understand are much more satisfactory?
§ Mr. ProfumoI will certainly consider that suggestion. I would make the comment now, that no cases of beri-beri have beer reported for ten years.