§ Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who is now operating and paying for the research and propaganda organisations formerly controlled by the International Rubber Regulation Committee; and whether cess payments are still being collected to finance this work from rubber produced in Ceylon.
§ Colonel StanleyArticle 19 of the International Rubber Regulation Agreement provided for the payment of the proceeds of a cess on rubber exports from British, Dutch and French territories, to the appropriate natural rubber research institutes in each territory which were not under the control of the Regulation Committee. In the case of the British territories the cess was paid to the British Rubber Producers' Research Association It is still being levied on exports from Ceylon and is paid to that Association, which is continuing its research work. That portion of the cess allocated for propaganda is being retained for post-war use.
§ Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the International Rubber Regulation Committee has been completely liquidated; if so, what funds became available and what has happened to them.
§ Colonel StanleyAs announced on 1st May, 1944, the International Rubber Regulation Committee was dissolved as a result of the termination of the International Rubber Regulation Agreement on 30th April. The Committee gave directions that the final balance at the audit of its accounts should be divided between the Governments which were parties to the Agreement. The liquidation of the Committee's affairs is still in progress.