§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the urgent need of the rubber industry in Malaya for some substantial payment on account in connection with war damage compensation; and whether, in view of the continued delay in the settlement of this scheme, steps will now be taken to arrange for some immediate provisional assessment of claims and reasonable payments on account.
Mr. Creech JonesThe hon. Member for West Leicester (Mr. Janner) will appreciate from the reply which I gave to his question on 19th October that I am fully aware of the hardships caused to individuals and industries, including234W the rubber industry, by the delay in making war damage compensation payments in Malaya. A Bill which is designed to set up a local War Damage Commission and to provide for the number and terms of payments in respect of all classes or any particular class of war damage is being debated in the Second Session of the Federal Legislative Council. Until this is enacted and the necessary regulations are published it is not possible for any payments to be made.