HC Deb 09 May 1951 vol 487 c219W
79. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that men have been detained in prison for three years in Malaya; and if he will take steps to bring these men to trial forthwith.

Mr. Dugdale

Power to detain persons under Emergency Regulations did not exist until 16th June, 1948, but I am aware that a number have now been held for more than two years. In most cases it is not possible to bring these persons to trial, but every person committed to detention under an individual detention order has the right to lodge an objection against his detention. Objections are considered by committees of review, the members of which are almost all un-officials representing the several communities, and the chairmen of which hold or have held judicial office.

80. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the continued detention without trial of Mr. M. Eber, Chairman of the Singapore Co-operative Party, and Mr. P. V. Sarma, President of the Malayan Teachers' Union, is undermining both the co-operative and trade union organisations; and if he will take immediate steps to bring these men to public trial or release them.

Mr. Dugdale

I do not accept the contention in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question; with regard to the second part, I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend by my right hon. Friend on 11th April.