22. Mr. CAMPBELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government has approved the scheme of decentralisation for the Federated Malay States, recently outlined at Kuala Kangsur by the High Commissioner; when it is intended to give effect to the policy; and whether the native rulers have expressed any views upon the scheme?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe High Commissioner was authorised by the late Government to discuss decentralisation with a view to submitting detailed proposals for consideration by His Majesty's Government if it was found that opinion in the Federated Malay States was generally favourable to some further measure of decentralisation. The High Commissioner has proposed that certain services should be decentralised. I am awaiting 266 further particulars as to the administrative and financial effects of these proposals, particulars which are necessarily required before any decision can be taken.