§ 30. Mr. Hamilton Kerrasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the strong opposition of the Chinese community in Malaya to the Registration and Licensing of Businesses Ordinance, 1953, and of the general stoppage of business threatened by way of protest; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe matter is essentially one for the Government of the Federation of Malaya; it is at present the subject of petitions to the High Commissioner, and I cannot make any comment at this stage.
§ Mr. KerrIs my right hon. Friend aware that the threatened stoppage, due to begin on 31st July, will damage the trade of Malaya, and will he be willing to use his good offices if the present negotiations should fail?
§ Mr. LytteltonI think that is a hypothetical question, but I must look at it in the light of the circumstances when they arise.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonCan my right hon. Friend say whether this is an annual registration fee, how much revenue it is estimated it will bring in from each of the four major communities, and how much revenue comes in from Income Tax payments from each of the four communities?
§ Mr. LytteltonI think my hon. Friend had better put that Question on the Order Paper.