§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been, or are being, taken financially to assist the wives and families, both of soldiers and civilians, who have been evacuated from Malaya to this country or elsewhere; what steps are being taken to discover whether male relatives who remained in Malaya are still alive; and whether he is aware that some wives and families now here are without income or means of support other than the assistance of friends and relatives in this country?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanWives and families of soldiers receive the regulated allowance payable when the soldier is missing. Vessels arriving with families of officers and soldiers from Malaya are met at the ports and there informed of the arrangements and are given financial assistance immediately if they need it. As regards civilians, similar rates are provided for dependants of members of the Malayan Volunteer Forces. The dependants of established members of the Malayan Government Services who have been evacuated receive an allowance from the officer's salary, and I understand that many business organisations are following this practice. As regards other civilians evacuated from Malaya to this country or the Dominions, the appropriate general rates of subsistence are applicable, but no specially increased rate of subsistence from public funds is possible in Malayan cases as compared with those who have suffered loss from enemy action in other 2189W theatres of war. Vessels arriving from Malaya are met and assistance, financial or other, is given immediately in any necessary case. Endeavours have been and are being made both through the Protecting Power and the International Red Cross Committee to obtain information about British subjects in Malaya and elsewhere. Unfortunately, the Japanese Government have hitherto maintained their absolute refusal to permit the representatives of the Protecting Power and the International Red Cross Committee to carry out their function in territories which have been involved. The Protecting Power is continuing its efforts.