§ Lord APSLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his Department is taking any steps, and, if so, of what nature, to introduce the large-scale cultivation in Malaya of alternative crops to rubber, such as rice and foodstuffs generally?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe question of rice cultivation in Malaya formed the subject of a report presented to the High Commissioner by a special Rice Cultivation Committee in 1931. The most important recommendation of the committee, that a separate drainage and irrigation department should be established, was put into effect last year. The new department is reported to be doing excellent work in improving conditions in existing rice areas and in rendering new areas available for rice growing. The essence of the problem consists in the establishment of water control schemes, and the matter is engaging the continual attention of the High Commissioner. Efforts are also being made to encourage the cultivation of foodstuffs generally, and considerable extension of the areas devoted to such cultivation has resulted. Large quantities of planting material have been distributed from the agricultural stations.