HC Deb 10 May 1950 vol 475 c369
39. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement on the activities of the Royal Air Force in Malaya during the last month; how many bombing raids were carried out; and how many casualties were inflicted on the bandits.

Mr. Crawley

During April, the R.A.F. in Malaya carried out 638 bomber sorties and made 33 strikes using cannon and machine guns. No information is available as to casualties suffered by the bandits.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Does not the Minister agree that the use of the term "bandits" is rather reminiscent of a comic opera show, and is not applicable to an enemy organised on this scale?

Mr. Crawley

That is a matter of opinion.