HC Deb 15 June 1955 vol 542 cc589-90
48. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the cost of the emergency in Malaya to date; how this has been allocated as between Great Britain and Malaya; and what further steps have been taken to bring it to an end other than by military means.

Mr. Hopkinson

The total cost of the emergency in Malaya to the end of 1954 has been in the region of £135 million. Of this about £83 million has fallen on the Federation Government and £52 million on Her Majesty's Government. The latter figure does not include the whole cost of the external Forces in Malaya, but only the estimated difference between the cost of maintaining them in Malaya and in their normal stations.

As regards the third part of the Question, political leaders in Malaya are associated with measures taken against the terrorists through their membership of the Director of Operations Committee and of the War Executive Committees at all levels. Every effort is being made to enlist the more active support of the public in hastening the end of the emergency.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that this emergency has been going on for seven years and is impoverishing Malaya and this country, and that sometime, somewhere, somebody must take the lead in bringing it to an end? Will he press the Governments of Malaya and Singapore to try to bring about a settlement with the people in the jungle?

Mr. Hopkinson

We are all aware of the need to bring the emergency to an end as soon as possible, but I think that we are equally determined that nothing shall be done which will involve submitting to force on the part of Communist bands.

Mr. Awbery

Is it not a fact that the leaders of public opinion in Malaya and Singapore have offered their services to meet the people in the jungle to try to bring about a settlement?

Mr. Hopkinson

No, Sir, that is not the situation. Proposals were put forward by the U.M.N.O.—M.C.A. Alliance and these were discussed at the Director of Operations Committee in January, when leading members of the Alliance were present. It was decided unanimously that no general amnesty should be offered and that the present surrender policy should be maintained.