§ Mr. J. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the average rate of wages of the Tamils employed upon British rubber plantations in Malaya before the war; and whether he will consult with the Secretary of State for India with a view to increasing the standard of living of native labour in the various Malayan states.
§ Mr. George HallBefore the Japanese war, minimum wages on rubber estates were 50 cents a day for men and 40 cents for women, plus 10 cents cost-of-living allowance. As regards the second part of the Question, the improvement of labour conditions and standards of living of all classes will be a primary aim of policy of the Government in Malaya, and my hon. Friend may be assured that, in matters concerning Indian labour, the representative of the Government of India in Malaya will, where necessary, be taken fully into consultation.