Brigadier-General BROWNasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the improved prospects in business and a satisfactory budget in Malaya, the cuts made in the salaries of the Malayan civil service will now be restored?
Mr. M. MacDONALDIn 1931 the financial situation made it necessary to withdraw the temporary cost of living allowances which had been payable to officers of the public service in Malaya at varying rates since the war in addition to substantive salaries. In 1933 a temporary levy on substantive salaries in addition had to be contemplated as an emergency measure of relief to the budget, but it proved possible to avoid a special step of that nature. I assume1530W that my hon. and gallant Friend's question relates to a restoration of a cost of living allowance, and I shall be prepared to consider that matter in consultation with the Governor when the financial situation is sufficiently secured, having regard to conditions then existing.