asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the tonnage of copra exported from North Borneo ports during the first eleven months of 1960 and 1961, respectively.

The figures are 72,654 and 59,500.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in 1960, the copra imports to North Borneo amounted to 61 per cent. of the total exports of copra from the Colony and that this was 22 per cent. of the total export trade of North Borneo, whereas if my mathematics are correct, the corresponding figure is something like 15 per cent. on a smaller total export trade? Does not this indicate a deplorable state of affairs owing to piracy in the East Borneo seas?

Piracy is one factor, but the fluctuations in the market price of copra are another and, possibly, more important factor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many acts of piracy were reported to the North Borneo Government during the first eleven months of 1960 and 1961, respectively.

The Answer is 47 and 97.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is an extraordinary increase in the number of cases of piracy? Is he satisfied that the measures so far taken by his Department in conjunction with the North Borneo Government are adequate to meet the situation?

I am a little worried about this and intended to make some further inquiries. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for calling it to my attention.

If the Singapore base cannot enable us to deal with local pirates, what the devil can it do?

The main purpose of the Singapore base is slightly different.

Will the Minister state what kind of pirates are operating? What race are they, for example?

Without notice, I am not sure what race they are, but they are very unpleasant pirates.