HC Deb 10 March 1942 vol 378 cc922-3
46. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a Commission of Inquiry, on the lines of the Dardanelles and Mesopotamian Commissions during the last war, to investigate the causes of the loss of Malaya and the disaster to our arms at Singapore?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

No, Sir. As has already been stated, no information about what happened at Singapore and in Malaya is yet available.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House when the Prime Minister intends to implement the promise that we should have a Debate on the whole question of Malaya and Singapore?

Mr. Attlee

That promise was dependent on having the information. It is no use having an inquiry or a Debate on a matter on which there is no information.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is it not the case that many people from Singapore have arrived in Australia recently, including the General who was commanding there? Therefore, are not the Government in a position to elucidate to the House some facts which the public ought to know in regard to this matter?

Commander Locker-Lampson

Why waste time and money on an inquiry?

Mr. Stephen

When do the Government expect to have any information on this matter?