§ 1. Captain Sir Peter Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements have now been made to set up machinery to provide for the compensation of persons who have suffered personal loss of property and goods in Malaya as a result of the Japanese occupation.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)Arrangements are being made to set up a claims registration office in Malaya to register all claims against the civil authorities including those claims in respect of personal losses of property and goods, which have been provisionally registered in this country. I am not yet in a position to state the extent to which it may prove to be possible to award compensation in respect of such losses and accordingly registration must not be considered as committing the future Malayan Governments, when established, to the payment of compensation.
§ Squadron-Leader DonnerIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these arrangements fully discharge all our moral obligations to these people, who have suffered and lost very greatly?
§ Mr. McGovernWill there also be registration of claims for loss of wages by those who have been rendered unemployed?
§ Captain GammansHave not the Malayan Government accepted all the obligations in this matter?
§ Mr. HallI am not sure that it is necessary to get a registration. I will make inquiries whether full recognition of all claims has been made and will let the hon. and gallant Member know.