INDIAN RUBBER POLICY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 169, 20 July 1942, Page 5

INDIAN RUBBER POLICY

No international commitment is being allowed to impede the immediate expansion of rubber production in India to the greatest possible extent. According to the Indian Department of Commerce, there is nothing in the International Rubber Agreement to restrict the amount of rubber that can be obtained from existing plantations. The question of bringing new land under cultivation does not form part of the Allied Governments' immediate problem, as it takes seven years for a rubber tree to be ready for tapping. All Indian rubber estates dealers and manufacturers are affected by a control order which operated from April 1. A committee controls purchases and distribution of raw rubber. Permits to approved estates and dealers for the sale of rubber to manufacturers are granted only for defence or essential civil requirements. Bales or transfers without permit are prohibited. Stocks already in the hands of manufacturers. or purchased and awaiting delivery, were also brought under control. Manufacture of goods after April 1 from these stocks needs the authority of the Controller of Rubber Manufactures.