§ Mr. Hall-Caineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the temporary allowances granted in August, 1922, to Government servants in Malaya on account of the increased cost of living were cut by 50 per cent. in July, 1931, and abolished in January, 1932, because the country could no longer afford to pay them; that the acting chief secretary stated in November, 1935, that an increase of an average annual revenue of at least three to four million dollars was necessary before restitution of temporary allowances could be considered; and that from 1936 onwards the Government of Malaya have been in receipt of a monthly surplus of between two and four million dollars; and when the temporary allowances will be restored?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreWith my approval a local Committee has been appointed to advise whether in present circumstances the grant of any temporary allowance is warranted. The Chief Justice of Hong Kong has accepted the task of presiding over the Committee's investigation, and pending the result of this investigation I am not in a position to make any statement.