asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the intentions of the Government of the Federation and Singapore with regard to price controls and the publication of fixed prices of essential commodities; and to what extent the Federation Government has implemented its promise to establish co-operative shops.

Advisory committees with consumer representation have been established in the Federation of Malaya and in Singapore to study the whole question of anti-inflationary measures. The prices of certain essential commodities are already controlled and the extension of price control to other commodities is under consideration. To supplement formal control, arrangements are in hand for the regular publication of schedules of fair retail prices which have been agreed with local chambers of commerce.A scheme for the rapid expansion of consumer co-operative shops throughout the Federation was announced last month, and over 60 new stores in towns, villages and places of employment are already being established.