§ 20. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what evidence he has that the aborigines of Malaya are being won over to any extent by the bandits and used on the production of food, and what research work is being undertaken in the language, social, religious and economic conditions of these jungle people with a view to counteracting this influence; and what medical aid and advice is being given them.
§ Mr. LytteltonThere is no evidence that more aborigines are being won over by the terrorists who in some remote areas are compelling them to cultivate and supply food. The Government have recently established seven jungle forts in those areas as a means to the administrative control necessary before social and other services can be developed. The forts already provide protection, medical aid, simple education and trading facilities, and these services will be extended when additional staff has been recruited for the Aborigines Department which, under an experienced anthropologist, already maintains a research station to which Aborigines are brought for short periods from all over the Federation.
§ Mr. AwberyI am much obliged to the Minister for that lengthy answer, but I should like to ask if he is aware that the aborigines have been promised the land in which they live by the Communists and that is why the Communists are winning them over? Can the right hon. Gentleman do something against that?
§ Mr. LytteltonI think the hon. Member is a little wide of the mark. The aborigines are of an extremely small stature because they live in these impassable forests and seldom see the sunlight.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it not a fact that these men in inaccessible places in the forest are used for sheltering the bandits and that is why the bandits want to win them over?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe hon. Member has given an opinion which is not quite apposite.
§ 21. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the person appointed as adviser on the aborigines of Malaya was relieved of his post after being in the Federation only two weeks.
§ Mr. LytteltonI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the person who was appointed on probation as Assistant Adviser on Aborigines. The High Commissioner decided that he was unsuitable for the post.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it not a fact that this adviser was dismissed within a fortnight of reaching the Federation? Has another man been appointed in his place?
§ Mr. LytteltonI cannot answer as to whether an appointment has been made, but it is a fact that this adviser's services were dispensed with after he had had a fortnight on trial.
§ Mr. WallaceCan the Minister say whether there is a reasonable period of probation?
§ Mr. LytteltonIt is sometimes clear very early in the proceedings whether people are suitable for jobs.