HC Deb 16 June 1954 vol 528 cc1941-5
29. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what requests he has received for the setting up of a commission consisting of Commonwealth members to consider the proposed constitution of the Malayan legislature; and what was his reply.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Alliance of the United Malaya National Organisation and the Malayan Chinese Association have asked for an independent commission, consisting entirely of members from outside Malaya to be sent immediately to the Federation with the concurrence of Her Majesty and Their Highnesses the Rulers to report on constitutional reforms in the Federation. I have told the Alliance that I have asked the High Commissioner to discuss their request with Their Highnesses the Rulers at their next Conference.

Mr. Awbery

Will the Minister note that the organisations are anxious to settle the matter in an amicable way? Will he notify the High Commissioner of the desire of these people to bring about an understanding?

Mr. Lyttelton

The High Commissioner is, of course, fully aware of all the facts. The hon. Member should realise that this is a matter not between the Alliance and Her Majesty's Government only but between the Alliance, Her Majesty's Government and the Rulers under the constitution.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Would not the right hon. Gentleman consider it desirable, in view of recent developments, to suggest to the High Commissioner that it might be desirable and advisable if he himself took the initiative to call a conference of representatives of the Alliance, who are very important, and the Rulers in order to ascertain whether such a settlement can be reached?

Mr. Lyttelton

The right hon. Gentleman will be the first to realise that any such course would inevitably lead to great delay in the holding of the elections. I take the view, and the High Commissioner does as well, that it would be far better to proceed with the elections, and when we have an elected body we can then examine with greater confidence constitutional changes above those now proposed.

Mr. Griffiths

I understand that the elections are not to take place until next year. Surely a conference of this kind in Malaya at this stage would help, for it might result in a settlement which would be advantageous to the country in future?

Mr. Lyttelton

I can only repeat what I have already said, that I have asked the High Commissioner to discuss the request of the Alliance with Their Highnesses the Rulers. I cannot go further than that at the moment because the Rulers are one of the parties.

33. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will, in view of the fact that the difference between his proposals regarding the numbers of elected and non-elected members of the Malayan Legislature and those submitted by the Alliance delegation is so small, arrange further consultations with a view to bringing about a mutual agreement, and so prevent the break up of this body.

Mr. Lyttelton

No, Sir. I am satisfied that the proposals rejected by the Alliance represent the best possible compromise between the views of all major sections of opinion in the Federation and that they meet almost the whole substance of the Alliance's wishes. They have been accepted, as the Federation Agreement requires, by Their Highnesses the Rulers and there is no justification for re-opening discussion of them now, at the risk of serious damage to the best interests of the Federation and with the certainty of delay in the introduction of Federal elections. Hitherto the Alliance has laid great stress upon the importance of holding early elections, and I have expressed my agreement with that view.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that the number mentioned by him and that of the Alliance is very small, and is it worth while that we should have a civil disturbance in Malaya now, with people refusing to co-operate with the Government, in addition to the trouble which we have in the jungle, for the sake of a few representatives on the Legislative Council? I ask him to have another look at this case.

Mr. Lyttelton

I have already given the answers in this House. The hon. Member is still apparently under the impression that this is a matter that can be settled between the Secretary of State and the Alliance. I repeat that the Rulers under the constitution have to be consulted.

Mr. Awbery

Is there anything to prevent the Minister discussing the matter with the Alliance and with the representatives of the various States with a view to their coming to an understanding on this matter?

Mr. Lyttelton

There is nothing to prevent me discussing it, and I have already said that I have asked the High Commissioner to discuss the proposal for a commission of inquiry with the Rulers. I cannot go any further on this matter.

Mr. Proctor

Does the Secretary of State tell the House of Commons that the narrow difference between his present proposal of 53 per cent. elected majority and the demand of the Alliance for 60 per cent. majority of elected members is impossible of negotiation at the present time? Bearing in mind all the great issues which are at stake in South-East Asia, will he not do something to settle this very narrow difference, and will he go to Malaya himself and make an effort to deal with the matter on a personal basis because of the great issues Which are at stake?

Mr. Lyttelton

The hon. Member is under a complete illusion. This matter has been negotiated at great length with Their Highnesses the Rulers and it would be a breach of faith now to make any change without consulting them again. Whether they would agree or not I very much doubt, but that consultation will take place between the High Commissioner and the Rulers.

Mr. J. Griffiths

While appreciating that any settlement must include a discussion with the Rulers—our past conference shows that—may I ask the Secretary of State whether in these circumstances he would not consider discussing with the High Commissioner the desirability of calling a conference of the Rulers and of the representatives of the Alliance, who are very important, in an effort to arrive at a settlement before any action is taken which is injurious to the future of Malaya?

Mr. Lyttelton

I repeat for the third time, that I have asked the High Commissioner and the Rulers to discuss this matter at the next meeting of the Rulers, and I cannot go further than that at the moment.

44. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet secured the co-operation of the political parties in Malaya for the operation of the proposed new constitution.

Mr. Lyttelton

The co-operation of the Alliance of the United Malays National Organisation and the Malayan Chinese Association is in doubt. They have declared their intention of withdrawing their members from active participation in all councils under the present constitution from the Federal Executive Council downwards to town councils.

Mr. Proctor

In view of what the Colonial Secretary said in answer to a previous Question, that he was not sure whether the Rulers would agree to a modification of the present agreement, will he have another look at the whole matter to see if this very narrow difference can be got rid of? Bearing in mind the support he has for almost every other section of his proposals and the success which has attended them, will he have another try to smooth over the outstanding difference? Will he use his influence to bring about the settlement which is so much desired by all?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am afraid that this is not a small outstanding difference. A long series of negotiations has been conducted with the Rulers and, so far as I know, this is as far as Their Highnesses were prepared to go. Therefore I cannot move in the matter without further consultation. For the fifth time I repeat that I have asked the High Commissioner to discuss this matter with Their Highnesses and I am not prepared to go further than that today.