HC Deb 23 April 1952 vol 499 cc395-6
33. Mr. T. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that chemical spray is being used in Malaya for destroying undergrowth; and what steps he is taking to ensure that food crops are not destroyed at the same time.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the Government of the Federation of Malaya have announced, experiments are taking place with a non-toxic weed-killer to defoliate the jungle, mainly at roadsides. Experiments are also being carried out into the use of this weed-killer to destroy terrorist food crops in jungle clearings. The experiments appear likely to be successful.

Mr. Driberg

In answer to the previous Question, did not the right hon. Gentleman admit that there is also destruction of food crops which, he said, "might fall into terrorists' hands"? Does not that mean food crops generally, in villages near the jungle? If that is so, does it not mean that the method now used to get two-thirds of the people of Malaya on our side is the method of starving villagers, women and children?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The hon. Member must not read more into my answer than I have given. It appears to the Government and to the High Commissioner in Malaya, in whom we have entire and growing confidence, that a measure of this kind may well help to bring the present intolerable war in Malaya to a speedier end. We believe that these experiments, which, we hope, will be successful, may play a major part in helping to bring this calamitous war to a conclusion.

Mr. Maurice Edelman

Is not this inadvertent form of vicarious punishment contrary to the principles of natural justice, and is not this technique of direct terrorism both immoral and ineffective?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "inadvertent form." The experiments which it is proposed to conduct, are either to clear areas on the side of the roads, from which many of our own race and fellow citizens in Malaya are being murdered regularly, or to prevent foodstuffs falling into the hands of the bandits who, otherwise, will murder our fellow citizens.