asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is yet possible to raise the rice ration in Malaya from 4½ oz. per day to which it was lowered in May this year to bring it more into line with the ration in India and Japan.

Mr. Creech Jones:

I regret that it is not yet possible to raise the rice ration in Malaya from its present level. The supply position has deteriorated considerably during the past few weeks for a variety of reasons, but principally because the exportable surplus of the main rice-growing countries in South-East Asia has not improved. Comparison with India and Japan is difficult owing to the many differences in administration.

Would the Minister, who obviously shares everybody's disquietude at this very low ration in Malaya, try to re-examine the question to see that the disproportionate distribution to Japan is brought more into line with that of Malaya?

Mr. Creech Jones:

I think the Japan rice ration is an ingredient in it, but I am terribly concerned about the position in Malaya and am doing all I can to get supplies there.

Does the Minister's statement that the position is deteriorating mean that it may not be possible to keep the rice ration even at four and a half ounces?

Mr. Creech Jones:

Not exactly. We had expectancies which, unfortunately, are not being realised at the moment, and we are turning in all possible directions to get supplies.