Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the poverty of the working people of Malaya, any part of the taxation will fall directly or indirectly on them, in order that the gift to Great Britain towards the cost of the war may be made; and whether the schemes for the improvement of education and expansion of social services will be prejudiced?
Mr. M. MacDonaldNo direct taxation which may be imposed as a war measure in Malaya will fall on the labouring classes, and at present the only indirect taxation affecting them is a duty on imported tobacco. Schemes for the improvement and expansion of social services will not be prejudiced by688W such contribution as may be made to His Majesty's Government towards the cost of the war.