HC Deb 30 November 1949 vol 470 cc1115-6
2. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many hours flying and what number of sorties by the Royal Air Force have taken place in dealing with terrorists in Malaya.

Mr. A. Henderson

Twenty-four thousand hours flying and 19,000 sorties have been carried out in dealing with terrorists in Malaya. Of these, 2,800 hours flying and 1,860 sorties were on bombing and ground attack.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the Secretary of State satisfied that the Royal Air Force has sufficient equipment and men in Malaya to deal with this problem?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, Sir. I think that, not only have they sufficient equipment, but that they are using that equipment most efficiently and effectively.

Mr. Gallacher

How does it come about that the Secretary of State accepts that these men who are fighting for the liberation of their own country should be referred to as "terrorists" and "thugs"?

Mr. Speaker

The Question only asks how many hours flying and how many sorties there have been, and does not refer to liberation.