§ Sir B. Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the broadcast statement on 6th June of the Commissioner-General for Malaya to the effect that Communists in that territory were making an effort to impose the rule of the knife and gun in plantations, mines and factories; and what practical steps are being taken to assist the Government of Malaya to deal with this menace.
Mr. Creech JonesThe reply to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, I am seeeing that all possible help is given to the High Commissioner including the recruitment of staff for the police and supply of equipment.
§ Sir B. Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the substantial number of armed attacks which have been made on the managerial staff of rubber estates in Malaya during recent months; and whether, in view of the importance of the rubber industry in the present economic circumstances of the 87W British Commonwealth, effective action will be taken to give better protection to the European staff.
Mr. Creech JonesThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on 16th June in reply to questions by the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner) and the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans).
§ Sir B. Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the terms of a letter, of which he has been sent a copy, from the Incorporated Society of Planters in Malaya to the High Commissioner of that territory, drawing attention to the hard and dangerous conditions under which European planters are at present living in isolated parts of that territory; and what action it is proposed to take to improve these conditions.
Mr. Creech JonesThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, in addition to general measures which are being taken to combat lawlessness in Malaya, and which have been described to the House, police have been posted temporarily on five estates where violence has occurred or is expected. Individual planters desiring to possess arms have been assisted by the issue of police weapons on loan, and Planters' Associations have been asked to consider concentrating scattered managing staff, or staff in outlying districts as a temporary measure, and to devise means of communication in emergency.