§ 39. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the system of conscription which is to operate in the call-up in Malaya.
§ Mr. CookAll males between the ages of 18 and 24 are liable for compulsory service, but it is only intended to call up about 20,000. After registration, a list of selected persons is compiled by the Comptroller of Manpower and these men are then interviewed by State boards. Those selected are directed into service for a period of two years, normally in the regular police or the special constabulary.
§ Mr. AwberyAre we to understand that the Malays, the Chinese and the Tamils are to come under the Conscription Act, and could the Minister let us 205 know if these men also had a vote at the recent elections?
§ Mr. George ThomasCould my hon. Friend say on what basis the 20,000 are to be selected, since apparently conscription applies to all?
§ 41. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he has taken, in consultation with the Governments of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, to ensure that no one between the call-up age of 18 to 21 years who leaves Malaya and Singapore will receive a permit to return; and if he will make a statement on it.
§ Mr. CookI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 21st February.
§ Mr. AwberyWould the Undersecretary inform us what action he intends to take with Chinese living in Malaya who leave Malaya and go to China for a few years in order to avoid their obligations under the Conscription Act?