§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister without Portfolio whether he has given consideration to the position that will arise in the post-war period having regard to the fact that American synthetic rubber production will be capable of largely satisfying the needs of the whole world and that the British rubber plantation industry is likely to be seriously affected owing to the Japanese occupation of the Malay Peninsula for a considerable period after the cessation of hostilities; and what steps he is taking to meet this situation?
§ Mr. Garro JonesYes, Sir; these matters are receiving consideration. Accurate prediction however of post-war needs for rubber or of the state of the Malayan industry is, of course, impossible, and it is too early to form conclusions on how synthetic and natural rubber may fare in competition with each other, but the importance of restoring the prosperity of the plantation industry is fully realised.