HC Deb 24 January 1951 vol 483 cc31-2W
104. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Commission of Inquiry will begin its work regarding the riots in Singapore, following the decision in the Bertha Hertogh case; and if he will name the members of the Commission.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Hon. Members will already be aware that the Governor of Singapore, in consultation with me, is appointing a Commission of Inquiry with the following terms of reference:—To inquire into and report on the recent disorders in Singapore on 11th December and subsequent days, with special reference to the causes of these disorders, and the measures taken to protect life and property and restore law and order.

The Chairman will be the Right Hon. Sir Lionel Leach, K.C. I hope that it will be possible to announce the full composition of the Commission very shortly, and that the Commission will arrive in

quantities exported including the value of re-exports, which is not necessarily the same as the value of the goods at the time of import.

Singapore and commence work early in February.