HC Deb 11 February 1948 vol 447 cc82-3W
84. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what territories of the Malayan Union or Singapore the Banishment Enactment formerly in force in the Federated and non-Federated Malay States and the Banishment Ordinance formerly in force in Penang, Malacca and Singapore are now in force; whether he will now procure their repeal or amendment; and in particular, whether he will procure that persons threatened with banishment shall have notice of the grounds alleged for their banishment and a right of appeal.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The laws mentioned remain in force in the Federation of Malaya and in Singapore. It would not be in the interests of law and order that power given by these laws for the deportation of undesirable aliens should be withdrawn. I am satisfied that there is every possible safeguard against injustice. In most cases deportation follows conviction in court for serious crimes. In other cases successful prosecution is not possible owing to criminal intimidation of necessary witnesses. Deportation is only ordered by the High Commissioner or the Governor in Council after careful inquiry held by an experienced officer, and the person under investigation is given all possible opportunity to combat evidence adduced against him and to call witnesses. Persons whose deportation is being considered are given notice of the grounds alleged.

85. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies with reference to 11 persons whose names have been communicated to him, how many of them have been banished from Singapore or the Malayan Union in the last two years; how many were members of trade unions; how many were members of the Malayan Peoples Anti-Japanese Army; how many had been acquitted on criminal charges shortly before banishment; and how many would if not banished qualify for citizenship of the Malayan Union under the incoming constitution plan.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am in communication with the High Commissioner for the Federation of Malaya and the Governor of Singapore and will write to my hon. Friend when I receive their replies.