§ 42. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken in Malaya to prevent the evasion of military duty by those who are liable to be called up, particularly in the case of those who leave the country; and what action it is proposed to take against those who, having left the country for this purpose, try to return to it, especially if they return after the conscription law has been repealed.
§ 64. Mr. Gilbert Longdenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to prevent the evasion of military service in Malaya; and, as persons are known to be leaving Malaya in order deliberately to avoid conscription, what action is contemplated against such persons when they return to 464 their own country after the repeal of conscription.
§ Mr. CookThe call-up is for police and civilian service, not for military service. Steps are being taken against persons who fail to attend medical boards and disobey orders of direction. No visa or permit is required to leave Malaya, but those leaving to avoid call-up are not, in any case, likely to become desirable citizens. No alien leaving Malaya to avoid call-up will be permitted to return.
§ Mr. AwberyIs my hon. Friend aware that many of these young men who are called to the Forces in Malaya are not enjoying full citizenship in Malaya? Will my hon. Friend make a promise of this right to them when they have finished their time?
§ Mr. CookThe figures for new citizenship are quite staggering, and we are handling them as rapidly as we can.
§ Mr. GammansWill the Under-Secretary say what happens to people who leave the country and who are not aliens? Are they to be allowed to return, having evaded their duty, and if so, are not the Government putting a premium on disloyalty?
§ Mr. Niall MacphersonTo what extent is it possible to evade service by going from Malaya to Singapore, and to what extent is that being done?