§ 14. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is his estimate of the number of civilians accidentally killed in bombing raids on bandits in Malaya; and what compensation has been paid.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsOnly one civilian, a child of three, is known to have been killed in this way, and 676 dollars (about £80) were paid as compensation.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the recent statement by the Director of Operations in Malaya that these bombing operations are expensive, and seeing that the jungle cannot be set on fire, would the Minister reconsider the whole policy of the use of bombers in Malaya?
§ Mr. GriffithsThis is a matter which I would prefer to leave to the Director of Operations in Malaya.
§ Mr. EdenWould it not be better if Mr. Vyshinsky, now so friendly, would call off these operations altogether?
Air Commodore HarveyDoes not the Minister agree that the Royal Air Force does at least give some warning to the bandits when its aircraft are coming, whereas the bandits stab people in the back when they are carrying out their normal daily work?
§ Mr. GriffithsI indicated last week the steps taken before bombing takes place to ensure that civilians are given as much warning as possible.
§ Squadron Leader BurdenCan the Minister say how many civilian lives have been saved as a result of the attacks on terrorists by Royal Air Force aircraft?
§ Mr. GriffithsI have given the figure; it is a very large number, and an increasing number.