§ 40. Mr. Wadsworthasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, although the International Rubber Regulation Agreement came to an end in 1943, the Rubber Regulation Enactments, passed to implement that agreement in so far as they relate to replanting and new planting in Malaya and the Straits Settlements, remain in force; and if he will take immediate steps to secure the repeal of those enactments as impeding rehabilitation of the rubber industry in Malaya and the Straits Settlements and preventing it competing effectively with other rubber-producing counries both within and without the British Empire.
Mr. Creech JonesI am aware that Rubber Regulation Enactments have so far remained on the Statute Books in the 63W Malayan Union. Immediate steps are, however, being taken to grant total exemption from all provisions in the legislation which prohibit the planting of rubber plants or seeds.