HC Deb 13 December 1950 vol 482 cc1131-2
13. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed that elections for local authorities should be held in Malaya.

Mr. J. Griffiths

It is hoped that a start will be made next year with elections in the municipalities of Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca.

Mr. Wyatt

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of holding the elections as early as possible if we are to convince the people of Malaya that we intend to give them self-government within a reasonable time?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir, I am very conscious of that.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Without in any way going back on our constitutional intentions, will the right hon. Gentleman see that time is not spent by hard-worked officials in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore on proposed changes which, at this moment, could be better spent on ending the war in Malaya?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir.