HC Deb 05 April 1950 vol 473 c1184
42. Mr. W. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to deal with the new factor of serious Communist attempts at wreckage on the Island of Singapore.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I am aware that in recent weeks a few grenades have been thrown in the Colony. The Police Force, which has been steadily modernised with the latest weapons and equipment, has succeeded in forestalling any serious outbreaks of terrorism and is alive to the danger of an attempt to spread disorder to Singapore.

Mr. Fletcher

Would the right hon. Gentleman say—if not now, tomorrow—what steps much greater than those he has mentioned are to be taken to protect the vital interests of the port and other installations on the Island of Singapore itself?

Mr. Griffiths

My present information is that the steps which have been taken are proving successful.

Mr. Gammans

Can the Minister say why it is that terrorism, which, hitherto, has not' occurred on the Island of Singapore, has now occurred there?

Mr. Griffiths

There have been only a few incidents, and I do not think we would serve any good purpose by magnifying them.