XN000022-1974-03-07 — Page 2

Thursday, March 7, 1974

1

SCHEME TO WIDEN DIRECT SALES OF RICE

A scheme to widen direct sales of rice is being worked out

by the Commerce and Industry Department in a further move to stabilise

consumer rice prices.

As a first step, arrangements have already been made for major

department stores to obtain supplies from importers at prevailing

market rates for sale to the public.

The department is now working out a system for enabling wider

direct sales to organisations employing a substantial number of workers.

"We are determined to do everything possible to ensure that

the public get rice at a fair price," a department spokesman said today.

He confirmed that an Advisory Committee on Rice is being

established by the Commerce and Industry Department to coordinate the

operation of the rice control scheme.

All sections of the rice trade

▬▬

importers, wholesalers and

retailers are being invited to nominate representatives to serve on

the committee,

The working arrangements for wider direct sales of rice will be

discussed when the committee meets for the first time next week,

It is intended that direct sales should be expanded to organisations

employing at least 200 workers. An agreed minimum direct purchase from

importers will be worked out.

In the meantime, the release of rice on a direct sale baals to

major department stores is proceeding.

О

-

/2 .......