asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the reasons for the closing of the Kajang Kemaman tin mine; and on whose authority were these instructions given.

The Kajang Kemaman tin mine is isolated, its approach roads are vulnerable to attack, and its protection involved greater call on police than its importance justified. The mine was closed by the Mentri Besar of Trengganu, with the concurrence of the Director of operations, under Emergency Regulation No. 17 FA. The possibility of making the approach roads safer is under examination.

In view of the decline in tin production and its importance in our economic affairs, can my right hon. Friend say when the tin mine is likely to be re-opened?

It is entirely a question of the calls upon the police. It appears to us that the best thing is to try to make the approach road safer, and that is being undertaken. I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend a date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms on which the Commissioner of Police, and other police officers who previously served in Palestine and were later transferred for service in Malaya can retire; whether previous service of a special nature can be counted towards pension scales; and how many such officers are affected.

The officers concerned come under the ordinary pension law. The normal retiring age is 55. Previous pensionable colonial service in Palestine or elsewhere counts for pension.

Twenty-seven ex-members of the Palestine Police Force transferred to Malaya as gazetted police officers in pensionable posts. A further 26 Palestine officers were appointed on agreement with a prospect of pensionable employment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what sum was originally made available to meet war damage compensation claims in Malaya; how much has been paid; what percentage of the claims dealt with does the sum paid out represent; and when payments will be completed.

About£50 million will be available in all, of which£9 million has been paid to claimants. Final awards have been made in respect of 40 per cent. of the total number of claims made, and interim payments varying from 30 per cent.-60 per cent. in the various categories of claim.

It is estimated that payment will be completed by 31st December, 1955.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a year ago his predecessor said that these payments would be made quickly? Can he account for the very grave delay?

I cannot account for it, but I will look into this and see if the procedure can be accelerated.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, according to a letter which I received today from the Commissioner for War Damages in Malaya, there are still 120,000 claims to be examined and assessed and there will be very considerable delay, and will he do his utmost to see that the matter is expedited?

Yes, Sir, I will do my utmost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what time limit is proposed for the appointment of General Sir Gerald Templer in Malaya.

The period of General Templer's appointment will be a matter for arrangement in the light of future developments in Malaya.

May I take it that that will not exclude, say within the period of a year, a review of this work in this House?

That is quite a different question. General Templer holds his appointment for His Majesty's pleasure.

Yes, but is that going to exclude the rights of this House at the end of a certain period to review work which he has been sent to accomplish?

Nothing can prevent this House from discussing this matter. The Opposition have it in their own hands.