§ 16. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British service and civilian lives have been lost in Malaya, due to action by bandits, during the past 12 months.
Mr. Creech JonesTwenty-seven civilian European British subjects and 40 European British members of the Security Forces were killed in Malaya in the 12 months ending 17th March. 1949.
§ Air-Commodore Harveyis the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the planters are being given sufficient protection, and will he say whether the dangerous situation in Malaya is clearing up? Does he see any improvement?
Mr. Creech JonesThe situation is not what we would wish it to be, but it is easier. I am in constant touch with the High Commissioner. Everything that can be done is being done, not only in the 355 way of equipment; the requirements of the situation are being studied most carefully. We are trying to help the High Commissioner in every way we can.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDoes the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that everything for which the High Commissioner has asked has been, and will continue to be, granted?
§ Mr. Henderson StewartDoes the right hon. Gentleman still keep in touch with unofficial opinion, which, I assure him, may very well guide him best in these matters?
Mr. Creech JonesI have received a large number of letters and representations from unofficial opinion, which I study most carefully. We maintain constant touch with the High Commissioner to see in what other ways the situation can be improved.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyThe right hon. Gentleman did not answer my first supplementary question: Are the planters being given adequate protection?
Mr. Creech JonesI tried to say—if I did not say it, I apologise—that we are trying to give all the planters and miners all possible support and protection within our power.