HC Deb 28 May 1952 vol 501 cc1345-7
14. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the recent curfew at present in operation in Southern Johore applied to children.

24. Mr. Edelman

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, when imposing collective punishments or when restricting rations in Malaya in order to deny resources to terrorists, he will ensure that such punishments or restrictions do not fall upon children.

Mr. Hopkinson

Curfew orders apply to children as well as adults. One reason is that the terrorists do not scruple to force children to fetch supplies or bear information. It is similarly not possible to exempt children from rationing restrictions, but care was taken to ensure that the supply of food was adequate to maintain health in places where these restrictions have had to be imposed.

Mr. Fernyhough

But does not the Minister realise that, whatever the sins of the fathers, there is something very un-Christian, immoral and totalitarian in punishing the children for that, and will he not take steps to see that this policy is stopped? Does he not realise that this is building up a fund of hatred in Malaya which will eventually cause us to leave that country whether we like it or not?

Mr. Hopkinson

I would not accept the assumption in the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question. I quite realise the hardship that has been caused to the children in this connection, but efforts are being made to arrange for them to go to school under escort if necessary. During curfew time patrols are out after dark and are compelled to fire if there is no reply to their challenge. There is considerable danger to children in allowing them out in those circumstances.

Mr. Edelman

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the indiscriminate restrictions which hurt children cannot but stiffen the morale of the enemy, and that it is inexpedient and immoral to apply punishments and restrictions which harm children who cannot be of any possible assistance whatsoever to the terrorists?

Mr. Hopkinson

That is not the opinion of the authorities on the spot. Their information is that there have been many cases in which children under 12 have been used for carrying messages and taking supplies—

Mr. Manuel

How many cases?

Mr. Hopkinson

—to the terrorists.

Mr. Remnant

Would my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the safety of our own troops and people is paramount and that all steps necessary to that end will continue to be taken?

Mr. Hopkinson

Of course, that forms an important factor in this matter. In this particular area where the regulations had to be enforced, we know that 12 people, including two of our own British officers, lost their lives and the rest of the party included harmless Malayan and Chinese workers who were employed on repairing the water supply of the town in question. All these things have to be taken into consideration.

Mr. Edelman

While everyone is in favour of all possible means being taken in order to protect our troops and those engaged in Malaya in the security service and the civilians as well, is not the purpose of this Question to safeguard innocent children from indiscriminate punishment, and will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that some such measures are being taken to safeguard the children?