§ 41. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the terms of payment of Malayan war damage claims will be announced, and if it is proposed to accept the principle of any priority categories whose claims will be met in full before a pro rata payment is made to others.
Mr. Creech JonesIt was expected in April last that particulars of the Malayan War Damage Compensation Scheme would be announced shortly. Recent events in Malaya have doubtless delayed consideration of this matter but I am inquiring of the Malayan Government 1194 what is the position regarding both points referred to in the hon. Member's Question, and will communicate with him on the receipt of the required information.
§ Mr. GammansDoes not the right hon. Gentleman himself lay down the general principles whether small people should be paid in full before larger people get any pro rata allocation? Where is the decision on principle made, here or in Malaya?
§ Mr. W. FletcherIs not the delay due to the fact that totally insufficient staff are being allocated to this work?
Mr. Creech JonesI feel that the present staff is insufficient and am taking steps to see whether something can he done to increase it.
§ Mr. PiratinDoes this Question relate to Malays and the war damage they are claiming, or to British investors and their war damage claims?
Mr. Creech JonesIf the hon. Member wants information of that kind will he please put down a Question?
§ Major BeamishIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the staff of the Malayan War Damage Commission has been insufficient for the last three years, and is it not time something was done to acknowledge claims sent in, as many people have sent in claims and have been kept waiting for from 18 months to two years, but have not even had them acknowledged?
Mr. Creech JonesI am fully aware of that particular difficulty and I have taken what steps are possible in order to get early payment. I am in communication at the moment with the Malayan Government on that very point.