HC Deb 25 July 1951 vol 491 cc464-5
44. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the civil disturbance in Malaya and the substantial number of European staff of rubber estates who have lost their lives at the hands of bandits, he will review the present inadequacy of the compensation scheme, under which the widows of some planters who gave long years of service in Malaya have only received anex-gratiaaward of £375 in respect of their husbands' deaths.

Mr. Cook

The Emergency (Civilian Injuries Compensation) Regulations, 1949, under which theseex-gratiaawards are made were based on the recommendations of a committee containing representatives of the interests involved, and the High Commissioner does not consider that a review of the present scheme is necessary.

Mr. Janner

Whatever the High Commissioner feels, does my hon. Friend feel that the cases of hardship which have been brought to his notice justify a greater amount being paid?

Mr. Cook

No, Sir. We are in constant consultation with the High Commissioner on this issue. It must not be assumed that this is the only method of payment made, because many European civilians are employed as auxiliary police and allowances are made in case of injury.

Air Commodore Harvey

Is it not a fact that most plantations insure their members for a considerably larger sum than that mentioned in the Question?

Mr. Cook

These are additional provisions made by the planters.