HC Deb 22 September 1948 vol 456 cc99-100W
78. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Minister of Food to what extent he estimates that the import of Burma rice to British Colonial Territories has been reduced during the last year.

Dr. Summerskill

Up to the end of July this year, there had been no reduction in imports of rice from Burma into British Colonial Territories. Recent political disturbances in Burma, however, have caused a reduction in shipments of rice since the beginning of August, and imports from that source into British Colonial Territories have consequently decreased. Exact figures cannot be given but the position is under close examination.