§ 35. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the £20 million granted to Malaya for war damage is to be allocated to the various claimants; will equal rights be given to Malayan claimants as to British; and to private claims as to business claims.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe free grant of £20 million, being a contribution towards a scheme of greater magnitude, will not itself be allocated. His Majesty's Government's offer does not envisage any racial distinction and makes special provision for private claims.
§ Mr. PiratinWill the Under-Secretary inform the House, or place the information in the Library, on how this money is to be allocated, in order that this House can ascertain whether the local people are getting their fair share?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsA memorandum of proposals has been submitted to the Malayan Government. I will look into the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. W. FletcherWill the hon. Gentleman confirm that in that scheme there is a priority allocation for small native claimants, who will get an immediate prior payment.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThere is a suggested allocation for private chattels.
§ Major BeamishDoes the increase in the size of this grant mean that there is to be any speed up in the machinery for settling these claims, which have been outstanding for so long?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI assume that that will be a natural consequence.