46. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the disturbed situation in Malaya, he will consider arranging for the Secretary of State for the Colonies, personally, to pay a visit to that area at an early date.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I am hoping that it may be possible for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies to visit Malaya during the course of the summer.
Air-Commodore HarveyCan the Prime Minister tell the House when the Secretary of State for the Colonies last visited Malaya? Does he not agree that a visit in the immediate future would be far more beneficial than one some months ahead, in order to encourage the people who are fighting the Communists?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the campaign against the bandits is very fully organised. I cannot say the exact time, but I agree that it would be useful for my right hon. Friend to visit Malaya soon.
§ Mr. W. FletcherIn view of the considerable risks involved in such a journey, and in the interests of economy, would the right hon. Gentleman take a single ticket?
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerWould the Prime Minister consider whether the Secretary of State for War should go, too?