§ 11. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give an assurance that those officers of the Malayan Rubber Regulation Department, who obeyed their Government's order to remain at their posts when Malaya was attacked, will receive re-employment in Malaya as soon as they are in good enough health to be able to return to duty.
§ Mr. George HallAs this department is not likely to be required in the immediate future, I regret that there is no possibility of the officers concerned being re-employed forthwith on the work for which they were engaged prior to the Japanese occupation of Malaya. The possibility of their re-employment on other duties is, however, under consideration.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that these people who have served the Government satisfactorily, and who remained there during the Japanese occupation, should be given an assurance that they will be given some re-employment in Malaya?
§ Mr. HallWe are doing what we can. Indeed, the officers concerned have been 356 granted full pay in respect of their period of internment, and they are at present on full pay leave which will extend, in any event, up to 31st March next. By that time a decision should have been reached as to their future employment.
§ Mr. GallacherDoes the Minister agree that those who deserted their posts should not be re-employed? If they were, would it not be as bad an example as a man who deserted his comrades in a time of crisis being now sent there as Governor-General?
§ Major BruceWill my right hon. Friend give us an assurance that those affected by the subject matter of this Question will not be compensated on terms much less favourable than those accorded to Malayan property owners?