§ Wing-Commander R. Robinsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma (I) the amount of deterioration or damage inflicted on rice hulling and milling machinery during the Japanese occupation of Burma; and what is the estimated amount of machinery required to bring 1692W the Burmese rice industry into full operation again;
(2) whether he is making arrangements forthe immediate importation into Burma of sufficient rice hulling and milling machinery to enable the growers and processors of rice to supply the food demands of the Burmese people during the coming year; and whether enough of this machinery can be supplied from British sources during the coming year, or alternatively whether American manufacturers are to be invited to assist in fulfilling these needs.
§ Mr. A. HendersonMy present information is that with some improvisation the milling power existing is sufficient to deal with the reduced quantities of rice at present forthcoming. A survey of the rice milling position in Burma has, however, been arranged: until it is completed it will not be possible to decide what extra milling machinery is required or from what sources it can best be obtained.