HC Deb 30 July 1930 vol 242 cc518-9W
Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any further statement as to the action, if any, which the British Government are taking, either single-handed or in connection with the Netherlands Government, to deal with the economic situation resulting from the continued fall in the price of rubber?

Dr. SHIELS

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Sir Cecil Clementi, the Governor of the Straits Settlements and the High Commissioner for Malaya, has gone to pay a State visit to the Dutch East Indies; if so, whether he intends to discuss with the Dutch authorities the question of rubber restriction; and, if not, whether the Government will instruct him to do so?

Dr. SHIELS

Sir Cecil Clementi will, I understand, visit the Governor-General of the Netherlands East Indies towards the end of August. It is not proposed to send to him any instructions as to the subjects which he and the Governor-General may discuss.