§ Sir J. Barlowasked the Secretary of State for War (1) what steps are being taken to deal with the large number of armed robberies in Malaya; how many incidents occurred in December, 1945, and January, 1946; and the number of people killed and wounded in such encounters;
(2) if he is aware that it is often useless to re-equip factories at present in Malaya owing to the depredations of thieves who steal the crops of rubber and coconuts before they can be transported to the ports of shipment; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs.
§ Mr. BellengerI understand that active preventative measures are being taken by the police in Malaya to deal with lawlessness on land by means of ambushed patrols, surprise road-blocks and mobile motor transport patrols. The police have received considerable assistance from the Army. I am assured that everything possible is being done to reduce this type of crime to a minimum. I am taking steps to obtain the information asked for in the last two parts of the hon. Member's first Question.