§ 8. Mr. T. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the non-application of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1944, in the Malayan Union is causing distress to a large number of retired Government servants; and if he will take steps to apply the Act to the Malayan Union.
Mr. Creech JonesThere is no question of applying this United Kingdom legislation to any Colonial pensions. These pensions are granted under Colonial laws, and any increase is a matter for each Colonial Government. I recently approved proposals by the Governors of the Malayan Union and Singapore for the grant of a cost of living allowance on their locally-paid pensions, and if their decision in this matter has not already been announced, it will be shortly, and will have retrospective effect from 1st April last.