§ 66. Mr. Prittasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what powers have been conferred on the Governments of Singapore or Malaya to banish from those Colonies British subjects resident there; and whether he will advise the Governors that such powers should not be exercised.
§ 68. Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now considered the banishment of all persons found guilty of banditry in Malaya, whether British subjects or not; and if he will announce his decision.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe law in force in the Malay States permits the banishment of any person in a State from Federation territory. The law in force in the British Settlements of Penang and Malacca, which are now part of the Federation, permits the banishment of only those persons who210W are not natural-born British subjects. Since the two Settlements were joined constitutionally with the states the practice throughout the Federation has been to take action against aliens only. Experience has shown that there are certain persons of British nationality who are abusing the hospitality of the country, and have been concerned in fomenting or perpetrating violence. It has been decided therefore that, as a matter of policy, proceedings under the Banishment Law in force in the States may be taken against British subjects who do not belong to Malaya. That will mean, in general, that persons who are not citizens of the Federation will be liable to deportation and legislation will be introduced, in the case of the Settlements, to permit the same policy to be followed there. In the case of Singapore, the law does not permit the deportation of British subjects and it is not at present proposed to make any change.