§ 57. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the grant of £3 million to the Government of the Federation of Malaya.
§ Mr. Rees-Williams:Yes. As the House will be aware from the statement which my right hon. Friend made on this subject on 30th March last, His Majesty's Government recognises that the Federation should not be expected to meet the full cost of combatting the present emergency without aid from this country. The High Commissioner has recently been informed that, after considering the Federation's budgetary position next year and all other relevant factors, His Majesty's Government are prepared to make a contribution of £3 million towards the cost to the Federation of emergency measures in 1950, and, in addition, will continue also to contribute the extra cost of United Kingdom troops employed in 34W Malaya. I am gratified to be able to inform the House that on the announcement of this gift in the Federal Legislative Council the Mentri Besar of Pahang expressed the thanks and appreciation of the people of the Federation to His Majesty's Government for this further measure of assistance.