§ Captain Gammansasked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds the purchase price of rubber from Malaya has been fixed at 1od. a pound; whereas the Ceylon price has been fixed at is. 6d. a pound until September, 1946; and whether, in view of the importance of rehabilitating the Malayan rubber industry at the earliest opportunity, he will review this matter at an early date.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe Ceylon price was fixed before the end of the Japanese war, when Ceylon was the main source of supply open to the United Nations. It was designed to secure maximum production, having regard to the costs in marginal areas and the competing demands for labour for other essential purposes.
§ Mr. J. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider removing the control on the uses of scrap rubber and reclaim as covered by S.R. and 0., No. 23, as the necessity for controlling the purposes for which these materials are used no longer exists.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. This matter is now being considered.
§ Mr. J. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of crude rubber have been purchased by his buying unit operating in Malaya; and what price per ton has been paid.
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§ Sir S. CrippsAccording to the latest information available a total of 15,260 tons of rubber has been purchased and shipped by the Unit operating in Malaya at prices based on 36 Straits dollar cents for No. 1 Standard Sheet.