War Damage Claims

Oral Answers to Questions — Malaya and Singapore – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 May 1949.

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Photo of Mr Philip Piratin Mr Philip Piratin , Stepney Mile End 12:00, 25 May 1949

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the £20 million granted to Malaya for war damage is to be allocated to the various claimants; will equal rights be given to Malayan claimants as to British; and to private claims as to business claims.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel David Rees-Williams Lieut-Colonel David Rees-Williams , Croydon South

The free grant of £20 million, being a contribution towards a scheme of greater magnitude, will not itself be allocated. His Majesty's Government's offer does not envisage any racial distinction and makes special provision for private claims.

Photo of Mr Philip Piratin Mr Philip Piratin , Stepney Mile End

Will the Under-Secretary inform the House, or place the information in the Library, on how this money is to be allocated, in order that this House can ascertain whether the local people are getting their fair share?

Photo of Lieut-Colonel David Rees-Williams Lieut-Colonel David Rees-Williams , Croydon South

A memorandum of proposals has been submitted to the Malayan Government. I will look into the hon. Member's suggestion.

Photo of Sir Walter Fletcher Sir Walter Fletcher , Bury

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that in that scheme there is a priority allocation for small native claimants, who will get an immediate prior payment.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel David Rees-Williams Lieut-Colonel David Rees-Williams , Croydon South

There is a suggested allocation for private chattels.

Photo of Mr Tufton Beamish Mr Tufton Beamish , Lewes

Does the increase in the size of this grant mean that there is to be any speed up in the machinery for settling these claims, which have been outstanding for so long?

Photo of Lieut-Colonel David Rees-Williams Lieut-Colonel David Rees-Williams , Croydon South

I assume that that will be a natural consequence.