VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg to ask the noble Lord, Lord Nathan, representing the War Office, a question of which I have given him private notice—namely, to ask His Majesty's Government whether they can now make a statement regarding the recent serious industrial strike in Singapore.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD NATHAN)My Lords, on January 29 a general strike was called by the General Labour Union in Singapore and Johore in protest against the arrest of certain members of the General Labour Union and ex-members of the Anti-Japanese Army. The present economic difficulties of the country have created a situation favourable to labour unrest, and those responsible for the strike took advantage of this situation to further their own political ends. The strike was extended by well-organized intimidation and propaganda, and many strikers did not know the real reason for the strike. It was unpopular and maintained almost entirely by fear. The strike, which was called on January 29, was lifted on January 30. There are serious shortages and business is restricted, but His Majesty's Government are doing everything possible to improve the economic situation.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, whilst thanking the noble Lord for that answer, I should like to ask him whether the situation has calmed down sufficiently to enable him to say that a similar strike is not going to arise in the future.
§ LORD NATHANMy Lords, despite my name I should be unwilling to indulge in prophecy, and my information is not sufficient to enable me to go beyond what I have already said.