§ 5. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a large proportion of rubber planters in Malaya were Japanese prisoners of war during the period of hostilities and that since the reoccupation of Malaya most of them have lived largely in isolation and suffered continued hardship as a result of the operations of bandits; and whether some suitable steps can now be taken to recognise the exceptional services which have been given by this body of men.
§ Mr. J. DugdaleMany rubber planters in Malaya, in common with men and women of other classes, races and professions, have suffered serious hardship and His Majesty's Government have great admiration for the courage which all these people have shown in the face of the 1058 terrorist attacks. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that since the beginning of the emergency the High Commissioner, in making his recommendations for recognition of public services in the Federation, has been giving full weight to the claims of this section of the population.