HC Deb 05 December 1951 vol 494 cc2382-3
42. Mr. T. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what inquiries have been made into the methods used by police officers in interrogating suspects in Malaya; and with what result.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There have been many rather wild accusations of ill-treatment and it is clearly in the Communist interest to propagate such stories. Any specific allegations have been carefully investigated, and in the few cases where cause has been shown, stern action has been taken.

Mr. Driberg

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of State, during his present visit to Malaya, to investigate this subject with particular reference to the removal of detainees from detention camps for interrogation at C.I.D. headquarters, about which there have been a number of disquieting and not in the least wild reports in such responsible newspapers as "The Times"? Will he also consider some aspects of the subject about which I had a good deal of correspondence with his predecessor?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

With regard to the correspondence with the previous Secretary of State I hope that a reply will be sent soon. As regards the general question, I think more time and trouble should be devoted to considering the problems of the police officers themselves, and our thanks ought to be given to and our thoughts ought to be with them in their appallingly difficult task. Much of the time spent in checking ill-founded allegations could have been better employed in helping to bring this terrible war to an end.

Major W. J. Anstruther-Gray

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the lives of British settlers may well depend on the successful and effective interrogation of suspects?

Mr. J. Griffiths

I appreciate the position in Malaya, which I saw for myself, but will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that if complaints are made against the force which may damage our cause he considers it essential to inquire into them?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I was at pains to say that at the start of my answer. Any specific allegations have been most carefully investigated, and in the few cases where cause has been shown, stern action has been taken.