§ 76. Major Sir Basil Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for War if he will take immediate steps to allow the wives of planters to rejoin their husbands in Malaya.
§ Mr. BellengerThe Military Administration in Malaya is anxious that wives of planters should return to Malaya at the earliest possible date. The food and accommodation situation is such, how-ever, that general permission for wives to return cannot yet be given. Priority must be given to the return of commercial undertakings. I am advised that if in individual cases a husband can satisfy the 964 Military Administration that accommodation for his wife is available and that rations from official stocks will not be demanded, there would be no difficulty in obtaining their agreement to the issue of a permit for the return of the wife.
§ Mr. GammansIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these planters were interned in Malaya during the whole time of the Japanese occupation, and have been separated from their wives for many years? Will he consider doing his best to give them as much priority as is possible?
§ Mr. BellengerWe have every sympathy with these unfortunate people.