HC Deb 11 May 1949 vol 464 cc1837-8
37. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information he has about the two women killed by the police in Malaya on the 23rd February entitling him to define them as bandits.

Mr. Creech Jones

The circumstances in which these women were killed leave no room for doubt. One of the women was in uniform and armed with a pistol and a hand grenade.

Mr. Piratin

The Minister has not accounted for the other woman, and in view of the fact that the House must assume that no statement was taken from her because she was killed before any statement could be taken, could he say on what basis he states that she was a bandit?

Mr. Creech Jones

I think the evidence is complete from the documents which were found on the woman.

Mr. S. Silverman

Could my right hon. Friend tell us how long it has been customary for bandits to wear uniform?

Mr. W. Fletcher

Should not self-preservation precede definition?