HC Deb 28 July 1950 vol 478 cc840-1
Mr. Walter Fletcher

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now any statement to make about the destruction in Singapore by arson of several thousand tons of rubber.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. James Griffiths)

A fire at the Aik Hoe rubber factory was reported to the police at midday yesterday. The police and fire brigade reached the scene within ten minutes. The fire, however, spread rapidly, and within the next 2½ hours enveloped the whole factory. It was not brought under control until midnight. The estimated loss may exceed 11 million Malayan dollars. Preliminary inquiries indicate that the fire, which began in the drying shed near the main entrance, was started by arson, though responsibility has not yet been established. Investigations are proceeding.

The factory was named for sabotage in the recently captured plans of the Malayan Communist Party. The police had advised the owners of this, and on measures of protection. The police have also been patrolling the area nightly since the 30th April. The Government of Singapore are fully alive to the threat of organised sabotage of this kind, and I am satisfied from the Governor's report to me that the police have taken the fullest possible precautions, in consultation with the owners of factories and warehouses generally.

Mr. Fletcher

While joining with the Minister in the tribute he has paid to the police and the other Services at Singapore, who worked magnificently under great strain, may I ask him two questions? One is whether he is contemplating assisting the police with any form of auxiliary volunteer organisation to tackle this very difficult question of organised Communistic sabotage in the island of Singapore. The second is whether, in view of the fact that the emergency may increase, and may stop or minimise the supply of these essential raw materials, he has concerted with the local authorities and local interests any possible scheme of Government insurance, to come into effect later, should that be necessary?

Mr. Griffiths

On the first question, my answer is that I discussed this matter very fully with the Governor on my recent visit, and I believe that the steps that have been taken will be effectual. We cannot prevent acts of sabotage in every instance. The reply to the second question is that I would prefer not to make a statement about that matter now. I am making inquiries into the matter.