HC Deb 14 May 1952 vol 500 cc1428-9
43. Mr. Woodrow Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the collective punishment imposed on the village of Sungie Pelak.

Mr. Lyttelton

In the last 11 months there have been 32 terrorist attacks near Sungie Pelak, and it recently became clear that people inside the village were supplying food to the terrorists.

The measures taken in this situation were not primarily punitive, but were intended to help the security forces in dealing with the bandit gangs. These measures include the removal of all surplus rice, the reduction of the ration by 40 per cent. for a fortnight to absorb any household stocks and the strict control of future sales.

There is a house curfew at night and a perimeter curfew from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. was imposed for seven days. A new perimeter fence is to be built to prevent food or other supplies being passed to terrorists, and to afford greater security to the inhabitants of this village.

Mr. Wyatt

Would the right hon. Gentleman say how long it is proposed that these restrictions should continue?

Mr. Lyttelton

If the hon. Gentleman will study my answer, I think he will see that I have replied to that question. The reduction in the ration by 40 per cent. is for a fortnight, and the perimeter curfew as from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. is for seven days.

Mr. Maurice Edelman

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when such action is taken, proper steps are also taken to safeguard the rations of the children, who obviously would not take part in supplying food to the terrorists?

Mr. Lyttelton

The general situation with regard to the supplies of rice is very carefully watched and the effect of reducing stocks makes such precautions very necessary; but I have no instances where there has been any serious case of malnutrition.

Colonel J. H. Harrison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the strong action which has been taken by General Templer has given great satisfaction to many people in Malaya and the rest of the world?

Mr. Fernyhough

With regard to the curfew, will the right hon. Gentleman see whether something can be done to relieve the imposition on young children? Did he read the report in a recent issue of the "Observer," and will he try in future to make arrangements that at least small children should not be confined for 22 hours in the atmosphere that prevails there?

Mr. Lyttelton

I think the hon. Member is confusing the perimeter curfew with house curfew. The perimeter curfew does not impose any hardship on children.