§ 44. Mr. W. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the preparation of the official insurance scheme for Malaya and Singapore, which it would be necessary to bring into action immediately after the declaration of a state of emergency.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI have recently asked the Malayan Governments for a report on the progress of local discussions on this matter, and I will inform the hon. Member as soon as I receive a reply.
§ Mr. FletcherIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difficulty arises from the refusal of local authorities to undertake any such scheme unless it is self-balancing, and that if we are not to see the flow of rubber and tin from Malaya stopped as incidents become worse he will have to guarantee such a scheme in some form or other?
§ Mr. GriffithsI am aware of the urgency of this matter. I am very anxious that it should be completed as soon as possible, as I have indicated to those concerned.