asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are being made to identify in British Malaya and Sarawak those Asiatics who, at great personal risk, assisted European prisoners or internees during the Japanese occupation; and if he will now make a statement with reference to the pension, gratuity, award or decoration which will be made to such persons or, in the case of their decease, to their families.

Mr. Creech Jones:

I have asked the Governors of the Malayan Union, Singapore and Sarawak for the information requested in the second part of the Ques- tion, and I am now awaiting their reports. I am now asking them also to include in their reports the information desired in the first part of the Question and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have all the information.

In view of the fact that I put down a similar Question a month or two ago and that feeling is aroused in these territories that we are not doing anything for these people, will my right hon. Friend make his answer widely known in those localities?

Mr. Creech Jones:

Yes, Sir, and I will expedite the reply.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government have allowed 18 months to go by without paying any sort of tribute whatever to these people who risked their lives for our own men?

Mr. Creech Jones:

I am not aware that such tributes have not been paid. Indeed, on a number of occasions, I think references have been made—

Not officially.

Mr. Creech Jones:

—in this House and South-East Asia, but it is a point I will keep in mind