HC Deb 24 February 1954 vol 524 c395
32. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he has instructed General Templer to examine prices charged by middlemen in Malaya with a view to reducing prices to the consumer; and when General Templer's report will be available.

Mr. LytteHon

No such instructions have been given. The second part of the Question therefore does not arise.

Mr. Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the announcement was made on the B.B.C.? Is this purely private enterprise on General Templer's part? How does the right hon. Gentleman explain the fact that the announcement was made on the B.B.C.? Is he not responsible for General Templer's activities? Is it not a very dangerous thing for General Templer to examine the difference between the middlemen's price and the price paid by the consumer? Is it not likely to injure his morale and make him go into the jungle and join the Communists?

Mr. Lyttelton

It is no part of the duties of the Colonial Secretary to be responsible for the B.B.C.

Mrs. Mann

Will the right hon. Gentleman invite General Templer to Britain to help the housewives?

Mr. Lyttelton

If the hon. Lady will put a Question on the Order Paper and tell me in what respects she wishes the housewives to be assisted. I will see what I can do.