§ Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the procedure for 220W reviewing the sentences of persons detained in detention camps in Malaya and the procedure under which they can appeal against such sentences; what is the average length of time between sentence and review, and between appeal and decision on appeal; in what percentage of cases have appeals been allowed; and what steps are taken to ensure that all detainees are aware that they are allowed to appeal.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe superintendent in charge of a place of detention must inform any person committed to that place under an individual detention order of his right to lodge an objection against detention.
Objections are considered by committees of review, the members of which are almost all unofficials representing the several communities and the chairmen of which hold or have held judicial office. Committees of review may submit any particular case to a central review commission. The hearing of objections by committees of review during the three months period August to October, 1950, resulted in unconditional release from detention in 6.8 per cent. of the cases heard. The average time between the lodging of an objection to detention and its hearing by a committee of review is ten weeks. Any detainee held under an individual detention order may, after the expiry of 18 months from the date when the order was made, request that his case be reviewed by the Chief Secretary.
§ Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many civilians are now detained in detention camps in Malaya; how many more are to be accommodated in the further camps, or extensions of existing camps, now or recently under construction; how many of the detainees are political offenders; how many are detained for assisting the bandits; how many are squatters not suspected of such activities but awaiting resettlement; and what steps are being taken to expedite the resettlement of these squatters or to enable them to leave the detention camps by day to cultivate their holdings.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe total number of persons detained in the Federation of 221W Malaya on 15th October, 1950, was 10,949. Of these 8,935 were detained under individual detention orders and 2,014 were groups of persons, mostly squatters, from villages or areas which had given assistance to the terrorists. Whenever possible persons in the latter category are released or resettled under the urgent resettlement operations which are being carried out as part of the Briggs Plan. Squatters merely awaiting resettlement are not detained. It is, of course, impossible to give any indication of the numbers of persons likely to be detained at any future date. For reasons of security it has not been found possible to allow detained persons to work outside their camps.