§ 20. Squadron Leader Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why military forces were not called upon to quell the riots in Singapore unti11 o'clock on Tuesday morning, 12th December, when the police had completely lost control of the situation early in the afternoon of Monday, 11th December.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI should prefer not to comment on matters which are within the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry, and which must, therefore, be regarded as sub judice for the moment.
§ Squadron Leader BurdenWhile appreciating that position, will the Minister give an assurance that if circumstances of a like kind were to arise again in the meantime, the military would be called out without delay?
§ Mr. GriffithsI prefer not to make any statement upon this matter until the Commission of Inquiry have completed their task and have reported.
§ Mr. GriffithsNo, Sir, but as the hon. and gallant Gentleman will have seen from Press reports, the Commission have begun their work and are taking evidence in public.
§ Squadron Leader BurdenDoes the Minister realise that a very prominent Straits paper stated that the loss of life and the damage to property and to the reputation of the Colony were very great? In those circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that adequate steps will immediately be taken to suppress any rising that may occur between now and when the Commission reports?
§ Mr. GriffithsNo, Sir. I have nothing to add to what I have already said.