HC Deb 02 February 1949 vol 460 cc1664-5
30. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information about the burning of Lintang, Malaya, by His Majesty's Forces; how many homes were burnt; how many people were rendered homeless; what accommodation was provided for them; and why this measure was carried out.

Mr. Creech Jones

The bandits in this area, with the connivance and assistance of squatters from Lintang and other villages, had been responsible for the murder of three British planters, the killing and wounding of nineteen Ghurkas and other outrages. In the course of operations by the police and military against this place beginning on 20th October, over 400 squatters were removed to more settled areas together with their livestock, property and huts. The only huts destroyed were those of people known to have assisted the bandits or those which could not be removed and, if left intact, would have been used subsequently by the bandits. No one was transferred from the area who could show legal title to his land.

Mr. Piratin

Is the Minister trying to convince the House that if there was evidence that the people in these houses had helped the bandits, the only penalty would have been the burning of their homes? Would they not have been actually charged? Can the Minister also explain why he did not answer the Question put down two weeks ago by my hon. Friend the Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) relating to a specific date? What is the Minister hiding?

Mr. Creech Jones

I have nothing to hide, and I am not aware of the Question having been put down before. In any case I would inform the hon. Member that not only has the Chinese Consul expressed appreciation of the way in which this operation was carried through, but a number of squatters requested that they should be moved to the new place for resettlement.

Mr. Piratin

May I ask the Minister if he will refer to column 61 of the OFFICIAL REPORT of 20th January wherein he will find the answer of which he says he has no recollection?