§ Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for War if he will now repeal the laws in operation in Malaya, before the Japanese occupation, which make the present Communist Party of Malaya illegal, although it is recognised by the British authorities on the spot.
§ Mr. LawsonIt is not within the province of the military administration to carry out the repeal suggested and the position must therefore remain, for the present, as stated by me on 7th November in reply to a question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher). But I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies that this will be one of the legislative matters for early consideration by the Civil Government when it is restored.