§ Commander Nobleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government of the U.S.A. are paying for rubber from Malaya on the same basis as the British Government and by the same methods, namely, payment to the custodian of enemy property for all rubber received.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. The British Government are the sole purchasers of rubber from the custodian of enemy property and payment for Malayan rubber supplied to the U.S.A. will be made direct to the British Government.
Major Lloydasked the President of the Board of Trade whether all moneys received for rubber by the Government Buying Unit in Malaya are still intact in the hands of the custodian of enemy property; and whether steps are being taken to ensure that there is no distribution by 22W the custodian until all who may have claims in connection with rubber shipped from Malaya since its occupation, have had the fullest opportunities.
§ Mr. BellengerI have been asked to reply. I am informed that no money has so far been received by the Custodian of Enemy Property in respect of rubber stocks. Payment to the Custodian is at present being arranged with the Buying Unit. No decision has yet been taken with regard to the disposal of the monies received. I will see that the hon. and gallant Member's point is brought to the attention of the Custodian.