§ 17. Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a statement in regard to the conditions of service of our troops in Malaya; what amenities and relaxations are provided for them; and whether he is satisfied that the pay and allowances are adequate to enable these to be enjoyed.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)I will, with permission, circulate that statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir T. MooreWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that according to the information I have in my possession here, the high cost of living in Malaya makes it practically impossible for our troops to enjoy the amenities to which I refer in my Question, and that recently there have been one or two suicides of officers owing to financial difficulties.
§ Mr. ShinwellOfficers and other ranks receive overseas allowance which varies according to rank and meets the increase in the cost of living. If the hon. and gallant Member has some information which is not in my possession, perhaps he will be good enough to let me have it.
§ Sir T. MooreIf the right hon. Gentleman will keep the name secret.
Mr. E. P. SmithDo these increases in allowances affect the particular area in which the officers and other ranks are employed?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe increased pay and allowances affect every area.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerWill the right hon. Gentleman state whether the overseas allowance is on the same basis as it was in the Middle East during the war? If it is, it is nothing like adequate.
§ Mr. ShinwellI could not say without notice.
§ Following is the statement:
§ British troops serving in British units in Malaya receive the same pay and allowances as British troops in the United Kingdom and, in addition, a local overseas allowance which varies according to rank, and to whether they are provided with accommodation, and accompanied by their families. These allowances are based upon local prices, including the cost of amenities, sports and recreations. Officers and other ranks serving with the Gurkha Regiment receive a further emolument called "Gurkha Service Pay." Leave centres at Penang and the Cameron Highlands cater for long leave. N.A.A.F.I. and the voluntary organisations associated with the Council of Voluntary Welfare Workers provide canteen and hostel facilities at Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere. The Forces Broadcasting Station, Radio S.E.A.C., broadcasts entertainment for British troops in Malaya. In addition, programmes broadcast by the B.B.C. General Overseas Service, Radio Australia, and by the local station, Radio Malaya, may be heard.