§ 42 Mr. F. A. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if the number of persons employed by the War Damage Commission, Kuala Lumpur; and the annual expenditure thereon for the year ended 31st December last;
(2) the average administrative cost involved in the settlement of claims for war damage already completed by the War Damage Commission, Kuala Lumpur;
(3) the number of claims for war damage lodged with the War Damage Commission, Kuala Lumpur; and how many of these claims have been settled.
§ Mr. LytteltonTwo hundred and ninety six persons are employed in the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, including 183 subordinate staff, at a total cost of £218,000 in 1951. Up to the end of 1951 administrative costs were 2 per cent. of the total value of awards assessed. About 200,000 claims have been lodged in Singapore and the Federation of Malaya Final awards have been assessed on 80,000 claims, on which divideneds between 30 per cent. and 60 per cent have, so far been paid.
§ Mr. BurdenWill the Minister give an undertaking that the investigation into these claims will be expedited as much as possible because many people in this country with claims outstanding in Malaya are very concerned at the delay in settlement?
§ Mr. LytteltonI have already promised to see if I can accelerate the settlement of claims.
§ Mr. AwberyWill the Minister state how many claims have been submitted by tin and rubber companies whose offices are situated in this country?
§ Mr. LytteltonNo, Sir, I have not the information. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherIn view of the fact that many of these claims have been outstanding for over 10 years and that both my right hon. Friend's predecessors promised they would accelerate their settlement, will my right hon. Friend see if he can do better than either of them?
§ Mr. LytteltonThat will be my constant object.