asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to what recent progress has been made in British Guiana in the production and marketing of rice; and whether any pro- gress has been made in the provision of a central rice-milling system, as recommended by a recent expert investigation?

I have no later information concerning the production and marketing of rice in British Guiana than that which I communicated to my hon. Friend on 26th November last. The proposal for the establishment of a central rice mill has been carefully considered, but in view of the present difficulties in obtaining suitable machinery, the scheme has had to be deferred.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the rice industry in British Guiana is seriously handicapped by the lack of an efficient method of production, and is anything being done to remedy that?

We have no information that there is any handicap for the reasons given by my hon. Friend.