HC Deb 16 May 1950 vol 475 cc987-8
7. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet reached a decision on the claims of the Army Civil Service Union of Singapore for salary increases and housing allowances.

Mr. Strachey

It has now been decided that the claim for salary increases cannot be accepted, and the local authorities have been notified accordingly. The claim for housing allowance is still under consideration.

Mr. Wyatt

Will my right hon. Friend look into this matter personally when he gets to Singapore? As it is Government policy to try to encourage trade unions in Malaya, it is very unfortunate that it takes one and a half years for a Government Department to deal with a claim by a trade union.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that undue delays in dealing with applications for improved conditions and wages in Malaya has a tendency to create more Communists than we can destroy by our Forces?

Mr. Strachey

I could not agree with that implication.