§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in Ceylon over the handling of the food 372W problems; whether he is satisfied that the present arrangement whereby the food department is under the control of the Minister of Agriculture is the most satisfactory in the circumstances; and whether he can give details of steps taken in rationing food supplies, checking profiteering and increasing local food production?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanI am aware that difficulties in connection with the administration of food questions have been the subject of criticism locally, but I am satisfied that, in the circumstances prevailing, control by the Minister of Agriculture in Ceylon is the most satisfactory arrangement. Rice, which is the main diet in Ceylon, is at present rationed to the extent of two-thirds of normal consumption. To meet the deficiency in the rice ration, increased imports of wheat and flour have been arranged and these also are rationed. Restrictions are also imposed on the consumption of hotel and restaurant meals of meat, fish and similar foods. Price control is applied to flour, wheat, rice, pulses, sugar, canned milk, salt and bread. Wholesale and retail maximum prices have been fixed according to areas, and are revised when necessary. Apart from the measures in operation in 1941, the Ceylon Government have this year taken further steps to increase the local production of foodstuffs, including the opening of State farms, assistance to private cultivators by issue of planting material, etc., the lease of Crown land and the commandeering of uncultivated land. The planting of food crops is a condition of permission to plant new rubber trees.