§ Mr. SPOORasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to state whether steps have been, or will at once be, taken to remove the Government control over rice in Burma, or whether, if control is maintained, he will arrange to fix a minimum price for purchase from the cultivators in order to safeguard the cultivators against exploiters; and whether he is aware that this question is urgent if provision is to be made in advance to safeguard the cultivators in respect of the next harvest?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt has been found necessary to maintain Government control over the coming rice crop of Burma in order to safeguard the food supply of India. The form of control to be applied is at present under discussion in India. I have already brought to the notice of the local Government a suggestion that a minimum price should be fixed for purchases from the cultivators. I am aware that the matter is urgent.