HC Deb 13 December 1950 vol 482 c173W
114. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air for what purpose Brigand aircraft are being used against the bandits in Malaya; and what have been the recent results of their use against the bandits.

Mr. A. Henderson

Brigands are used to attack terrorist camps with bombs, rockets and cannon-fire. These attacks, with those of other aircraft of the Far East Air Force, are carrying the offensive to the terrorists wherever they attempt to concentrate. Detailed results in casualties and camps destroyed are difficult to assess.

115. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many bombing raids were carried out by the Royal Air Force in Malaya between November, 1948, and October, 1950; what was the estimated cost of these raids; and how many bandits were killed.

Mr. A. Henderson

Four hundred and ten air strikes have been carried out in the period and more than 300 terrorists are believed to have been killed. It is, however, impossible to measure the effect of these air attacks by the numbers actually killed. Their effect on military operations generally and on the morale of the terrorists and of our own forces is considerable. The cost of these air strikes is not available.