§ 17. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken to prevent young men in Malaya from evading their National Service obligations by taking up temporary residence in Singapore.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsSince movement between the Federation and Singapore is uncontrolled there are serious practical difficulties in dealing with this matter, but the question is under active consideration by both Governments.
§ Mr. MacphersonCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House any idea of the extent of this trouble?
§ Mr. GriffithsNo. I think that the hon. Member has been to Singapore and Malaya, and I am sure that he will appreciate that it is very difficult to give any estimate on that question. It is a very serious problem, and it is being carefully and urgently examined.
§ Sir H. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these people escaped to the Turtle and Mangsee Islands which have been transferred from the British Empire to the Philippine Republic?