HC Deb 22 January 1947 vol 432 c190
2. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the system of holding land from the Sultans in the Malayan States on payment of a quit rent is to be retained, in view of the changes to be made in the Sultans' powers.

Mr. Creech Jones

The effect of the proposals which are being discussed and which have been published, would be to restore the position in this matter to approximately that which existed before the creation of the Malayan Union.

Mr. Reid

Am I to gather then, that public lands will not be vested in the Crown, as they are in most Colonies?

Mr. Creech Jones

The old position is restored.

Mr. Gammans

Will the Minister state that this quit rent does not in fact go to the Sultans but passes into the public revenues?

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, Sir, that is the position.