HC Deb 05 December 1945 vol 416 c2308
24. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposes to make a statement on the Government's plans for the payment of compensation to Malayan civilians for losses incurred during the Japanese campaign and the occupation.

Mr. George Hall

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Sir P. Macdonald) on 24th October, 1945. I regret that it will not be possible to make an early statement on the question of compensation for losses in Malaya, as it has not yet been possible to ascertain the total amount of the claims involved, or the resources which can be made available to pay compensation by the future Malayan Governments.

Captain Gammans

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that anything can be done to help immediately those people who are arriving in this country completely destitute as a result of those losses?

Mr. Hall

If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the reply which I mentioned, he will see that there are two funds for the purpose of assisting such persons as he has in mind.