asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the system of holding land from the Sultans in the Malayan States on payment of a quit rent is to be retained, in view of the changes to be made in the Sultans' powers.

Mr. Creech Jones:

The effect of the proposals which are being discussed and which have been published, would be to restore the position in this matter to approximately that which existed before the creation of the Malayan Union.

Am I to gather then, that public lands will not be vested in the Crown, as they are in most Colonies?

Mr. Creech Jones:

The old position is restored.

Will the Minister state that this quit rent does not in fact go to the Sultans but passes into the public revenues?

Mr. Creech Jones:

Yes, Sir, that is the position.