§ 31. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has had an opportunity of studying the details which have been sent to him concerning the derequisitioning of the Singapore cane factory; and if he will consult with the Secretary of State for War so that, in order to secure vital dollar exchange, the factory may be derequisitioned forthwith.
§ Mr. George HallI fully realise the inconvenience caused by the requisitioning of commercial and private properties in Singapore and I am pressing the Service Departments to release accommodation. As regards the second part of the Question, I understand that the Singapore cane factory has been given high priority for derequisitioning.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all this delay caused by bureaucratic control is hampering British economic recovery?
§ Mr. HallI know that there is a deal of inconvenience caused, and that is why I am bringing all the pressure I possibly can to bear on the Service authorities.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhy cannot the right hon. Gentleman remove it?