HC Deb 16 June 1948 vol 452 cc419-20
33. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds the Malay Federation Government has declared illegal the Pan-Malayan Federation of Trade Unions.

Mr. Creech Jones

I am awaiting a report on this matter from the High Commissioner for the Federation of Malaya. I shall write to the hon. Member when it is received.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that, in a terrible situation such as appears to exist in Malaya, it is undesirable to try to find a remedy by oppression and suppression rather than by a clear, straightforward Socialist progressive policy?

Mr. Creech Jones

There is no repression at all. We are concerned about certain subversive organisations in Malaya. The necessary action must be taken in view of the background of violence and disturbance there at the present time.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not a palpable case of repression when a trade union federation is being declared illegal in the situation that exists in Malaya, where the mass of the people were kept for generations submerged in the lowest conditions by the Tories of this country?