§ 27. Sir Dymoke Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what authority 10 per cent. was deducted from the salaries of Malaya and Hong Kong civil servants during their internment by the Japanese.
Mr. Creech JonesPayment of the salaries of interned civil servants less the deduction referred to was authorised by my predecessor in 1945 on behalf of the Civil Governments of Malaya and Hong Kong prior to their re-establishment. There was not at that time any legal authority for the payment of the salaries of Malayan officers, but the payments actually made were validated by legislation enacted after the re-establishment of civil government. The reasons for making the deduction were explained in a memorandum issued in April, 1946, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. Certain representations recently made to me in this matter are now under consideration.
§ Mr. GammansWould the right hon. Gentleman say why the civilian internees had a cut in their pay, whereas the military prisoners of war did not? Would he also say why Europeans were treated far more generously in this matter than Asiatic employees?