§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what assistance Her Majesty's Government has given to the Malaysian Government to deal with the floods in Malaya; and whether they intend to make a financial contribution to the emergency fund.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe recent floods in the North-West and in the North-East coastal districts of West Malaysia have been unusually severe. They have resulted in widespread damage and distress and in particular the complete severing of road, rail and telecommunication links with Kelantan. Although the death toll fortunately appears not to have been as high as might have been feared, over 10,000 people have been rendered homeless and hundreds of villages have been completely inundated.
In response to a request from the Malaysian Government, assistance to airlift urgently needed relief supplies has been provided by the British Forces in Malaysia. Helicopters and Beverleys of the R.A.F., as well as helicopters from H.M.S. Bulwark, have been made available, and between 6th and 10th January they transported to the stricken areas food
14Woccurred in the course of the last 10 years before independence of the following Commonwealth territories, namely, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya and Nigeria; and what was the number of sentences of death passed by courts of law in these territories during this period and the number of reprieves.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe figures immediately available are as follows: I have written to my hon. Friend about further information.
supplies as well as assault boats to assist with evacuation. Two British army tankers have also assisted in the relief work. The British Government, as its contribution to the relief of the disaster, will bear the costs of these operations.
I am sure the House will wish to join me in expressing our sincere sympathy to the Government and people of Malaysia.