§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for War what is the present position regarding the restoration of civil government in Malaya is it planned to introduce a legislative council there; and what steps have been taken towards the economic rehabilitation of the country.
§ Mr. LawsonIt is intended to restore civil government in Malaya as soon as conditions in the region permit, and the preliminary steps to this end have been taken. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies that constitutional arrangements are receiving consideration in his Department, but he is unable yet to make any announcement. Apart from steps being taken by the military administration to provide for the immediate needs of the population as a whole, I understand that a two-year programme of repairs and renewals for transport, communications, and other public works and services has been prepared. This programme was drawn up before the surrender of the Japanese, and the estimated cost for the first year is approximately £11,000,000. It is now in the process of revision in the light of surveys on the spot.