§ 39. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now indicate by what date it will be possible to complete the arrangements for the distribution of war compensation in Malaya; and whether it has yet been found possible to grant interim compensation to those suffering hardship as a result of the delay which has occurred in this respect.
Mr. Creech JonesIt is hoped that legislation to implement the War Damage Compensation Scheme will be enacted before the end of the year to enable distribution of war damage compensation to commence. For administrative reasons the local legislatures have rejected preferential treatment in cases of hardship; but arrangements are now under discussion for implementing the proposals to pay immediately the first 350 dollars of each assessed claim for compensation for loss of chattels.
§ Mr. JannerWould my right hon. Friend say whether he will speed up this matter, in view of the very long delay which has taken place, and see to it that these people, who are suffering very considerable hardship in many cases, receive some kind of ethical treatment?
Mr. Creech JonesYes. I think my hon. Friend appreciates that these difficulties do not arise at this end. They are in Malaya itself. We have done everything in our power to achieve a speedy conclusion to this matter and to get some of these payments made.