§ 27. Mr. Alportasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider issuing a contract of service to the Malayan Special Constabulary; and what gratuity it is intended to pay these men at the termination of the present emergency.
§ Mr. HopkinsonI am not aware of any need to vary the present arrangement whereby the terms of employment of the Special Constabulary are laid down in the Essential (Special Constabulary) Regulations, 1948. The question of release benefits is at present being considered by the Government of the Federation.
§ Mr. AlportIs my right hon. Friend aware that these men have given as a whole very loyal and valuable service in the emergency, and there is a feeling that they suffer from disabilities in regard to, their service conditions which do not apply to the Regular Police? Would he therefore look into this question again with a view to considering the just complaints which are forthcoming from the supplementary police?
§ Mr. HopkinsonI think everybody would agree with what my hon. Friend has said in regard to the services which the special constables have rendered and are rendering. Certainly those services and their value will be taken into consideration when deciding upon the release benefits. These are at the moment being discussed.