§ 22. Mr. Walter Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking for the provision of adequate and increased staff in order to accelerate the investigation and assessment of claims for war damage and rehabilitation in Malaya; and whether, in view of his statement in the House on 14th July 1948, that the present staff was insufficient, and of the loss of interest, etc., to claimants owing to the consequent delays, he will ensure that fully adequate staff is immediately provided.
Mr. Creech JonesAs the hon. Member is aware, no war damage compensation scheme has so far been implemented, since His Majesty's Government's recent offer is still under consideration by the Malayan Governments. As soon as a scheme is approved, the hon. Member may be assured that I will take all possible steps to assist the Malayan Governments in obtaining any additional staff which they may require.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has not answered that 1272 part of the Question which refers to assessments and that it is the resignations from the assessment side that are causing very great delay and hardship? Will the right hon. Gentleman implement the undertaking that he gave on the date mentioned in the Question, to see that these assessments are carried out much more rapidly, and that when the new scheme is put into operation there is no further delay?
Mr. Creech JonesI will certainly look into the point with regard to assessments, but in regard to the actual application of the scheme, in which I think there was some difficulty, I promised to do everything in my power, and that promise I will carry out.
§ Commander NobleCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any progress has been made with the problem of goods requisitioned, on which there is considerable feeling in Malaya and about which I have been in correspondence with him?
Mr. Creech JonesI would like to have notice of that question. The whole of this problem is being dealt with by the Malayan Government.