§ 34. Mr. Prittasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to secure the repeal of the Banishment Ordinance now in force in Singapore and Malaya, or its amendment, so as to confine it to cases of serious crime, to prevent its use to stifle political activities, and to provide in all cases for some form of appeal against orders of banishment.
Mr. Creech JonesI am unable to agree to consider the repeal or amendment of these Ordinances in present circumstances. I have recently examined the question of their operation closely in consultation with20W the two Governors, and am satisfied that their powers are necessary and are exercised only after the most scrupulous examination of individual cases. They are not used to prevent genuine political activity.