HC Deb 06 June 1951 vol 488 cc998-9
34. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the number of bandit outrages in Malaya has increased or decreased during the past three months as compared with the previous quarter; how the figures of casualties compare; and if he will make a statement on the situation generally.

Mr. J. Griffiths

There has been no significant change in the number of incidents during the last three months compared with the previous three months. Fatal casualties of civilians and the security forces have decreased very slightly, but bandit casualties, including killed, captured and surrendered, have increased by 37 per cent. The general situation remains much as described in my reply to the hon. Member for Gillingham (Mr. Burden) on 2nd May.

Mr. Gammans

Does the Minister, generally speaking, regard the situation as being better than it was, say, six months ago?

Mr. Griffiths

The most encouraging sign of the last few months has been the fact that information is now coming to the security officers much more freely and much more often. That is the most encouraging sign, because it gives hope for the future.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Secretary of State has said that there has been a 37 per cent. increase in casualties among the bandits. What does this percentage mean in actual numbers?

Mr. Griffiths

I could not give the number without notice.