RICE PRICES

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry whether he is aware that the average retail selling price of rice has been higher in the current year than was the case in 1955; and whether he will state the reasons.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, the hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. Reliable figures are available in my Ministry as from 1st April, 1955, and according to these figures, the average retail selling price of rice per katty this year was cheaper by one cent than it was for the last 9 months of 1955. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Mr John Ede: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that the rise in prices appears on page 54 of Malayan Statistics, No. 4 of 1956, prepared by his own Ministry?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, in drafting my reply, I have not consulted the statistics. Did I hear the Member say 1954?

Mr John Ede: No. 4 of 1956.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: The figures that I quote from are reliable and are compiled in my own Ministry.