§ 32. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked 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. LytteHonNo such instructions have been given. The second part of the Question therefore does not arise.
§ Mr. HughesIs 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. LytteltonIt is no part of the duties of the Colonial Secretary to be responsible for the B.B.C.
§ Mr. LytteltonIf 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.