HC Deb 17 June 1953 vol 516 cc65-6W
65. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the terms of reference of the Malayan Rubber Inquiry; how many constitute the committee; and to what extent the membership of the committee has been agreed as acceptable to organised labour and to the producers.

Mr. Lyttelton

The terms of reference are to investigate:

  1. (1)taxation of the industry in relation to costs of production
  2. (2)the maintenance of existing capital in the industry and the attraction of fresh capital for development
  3. (3)replanting
  4. (4)the marketing and processing of smallholders' rubber
  5. unemployment in the industry in the event of a recession in price.

I am in consultation with the High Commissioner about its membership and will make a further statement at a later date.