HC Deb 22 March 1950 vol 472 cc115-6W
60. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the military or the police are responsible for the conduct of operations against the bandits in Malaya; and if, in view of the continued and growing number of casualties. it is proposed to make any change in the present arrangement

Mr. Griffiths

Hitherto the Commissioner of Police has been responsible for the general conduct of operations against the bandits, in which the military are acting in support of the civil power; but the need for the appointment of an officer free from routine administrative responsibilities to plan, co-ordinate and generally direct the operations of the police and the Fighting Services has recently been examined by the High Commissioner, and it has been decided to create a new civil post of Director of Operations.

An announcement of the appointment of Lieut.-General Sir Harold Briggs to fill this post was made yesterday by the Federation Government and arrangements are being made for General Briggs to fly out to Malaya at a very early date.