asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that charges for reaping, milling and equipment for the rice produced in British Guiana have all increased considerably, while the grower has received only a small rise in price; and what steps have been taken to improve the milling and processing of rice in that Colony?

My Noble Friend has received no report indicating that there has been a disproportionate increase in the cost of handling and processing rice, which has operated to the disadvantage of the growers, but he is asking the Governor to report on the situation. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 28th May. The position regarding the proposed central mill remains the same, but expenditure has recently been authorised on the reconditioning of a Government factory at Anna Regina in the important rice area of Essequibo.

Has that work been commenced?

I cannot say.