HC Deb 07 February 1951 vol 483 cc1730-1
34. Mr. David Renton

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a further statement on what steps it is intended to take in Malaya to bring to an end the activities of terrorists.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The principal need is to press forward with the resettlement of squatters and strengthen the administration in the newly settled areas. These measures are being carried out with all possible speed and there is increasing evidence of the extent to which they are effective in disrupting the terrorists' supplies of food. Substantial progress has been made with the new measures which I outlined to the House on 13th December and the High Commissioner has, of course, full powers to introduce any further measures which may be required for the successful prosecution of the campaign.

Mr. Renton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this terrorist activity has continued for over three years with weekly losses of life of innocent people? Have the Government a plan to bring the activity to an end? If so, when will results be achieved?

Mr. Griffiths

I repeat what I have said before. I think the Briggs Plan is soundly conceived. We are now taking steps to expedite this plan as quickly as we can.

Mr. A. R. W. Low

Is the right hon. Gentleman pushing forward as fast as he can with the formation of more Malayan battalions?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir.

Air Commodore Harvey

Can the Minister say when the resettlement of squatters will be completed, and whether European troops will remain in Malaya until the troubles are over?

Mr. Griffiths

At the moment I could not tie myself to a date by which we hope this resettlement will be completed. We are pushing forward with it as quickly as we can.

Mr. E. Fletcher

May we take it from what the Minister has said that he is satisfied that he has adequate forces with which to put an end to these terrorist activities?

Mr. W. Fletcher

Is the right hon. Gentleman making progress in getting rid of the large number of people in Malaya whom it is desirable to send away from the country, and who constitute a very serious problem in its defence?

Mr. Griffiths

We have been able to get rid of some of them.