Oral Answers to Questions — Malaya and Singapore – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 February 1954.
Mr Emrys Hughes
, South Ayrshire
12:00,
24 February 1954
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he has instructed General Templer to examine prices charged by middlemen in Malaya with a view to reducing prices to the consumer; and when General Templer's report will be available.
Mr Emrys Hughes
, South Ayrshire
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the announcement was made on the B.B.C.? Is this purely private enterprise on General Templer's part? How does the right hon. Gentleman explain the fact that the announcement was made on the B.B.C.? Is he not responsible for General Templer's activities? Is it not a very dangerous thing for General Templer to examine the difference between the middlemen's price and the price paid by the consumer? Is it not likely to injure his morale and make him go into the jungle and join the Communists?
Mr Oliver Lyttelton
, Aldershot
It is no part of the duties of the Colonial Secretary to be responsible for the B.B.C.
Mrs Jean Mann
, Coatbridge and Airdrie
Will the right hon. Gentleman invite General Templer to Britain to help the housewives?
Mr Oliver Lyttelton
, Aldershot
If the hon. Lady will put a Question on the Order Paper and tell me in what respects she wishes the housewives to be assisted. I will see what I can do.
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