§ 79. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many trade unionists are now in prison in Singapore without trial; how many of them are women; how long they have been in prison; what their offences were; and when it is proposed to bring them to trial.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydTwenty-seven trade unionists, including three women, are detained without trial under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance for subversive activities. Nineteen have been in detention since October, 1956, seven 179W since August, 1957, and one since September, 1957. The Preservation of Public Security Ordinance was enacted because the danger to witnesses ruled out the possibility of trial in court. Subject to the Ordinance remaining in force the maximum period which can be imposed under any one detention order is two years in the first instance but this can be extended for periods not exceeding twelve months at a time. It is not proposed to bring any of the detainees to trial.