BANISHMENT ORDINANCE (Detention Orders)

Mr D. S. Marshall asked the Chief Secretary-

(a) how many Orders for the arrest and detention or for the detention of persons under the Banishment Ordinance have been issued by him since the 1st of September, 1956; and

(b) whether he will make a statement as to the opportunities afforded to such persons at enquiries provided for by the Banishment Ordinance for learning of and meeting the allegations made against them.

Mr Goode: (a) Sir, 14 warrants of arrest and detention and 39 warrants of detention have been issued since 1st September, 1956.

(b) As the hon. Member is aware, enquiries under the Banishment Ordinance are not intended to enable persons affected to learn and meet allegations made against them, as the question suggests. They are ordered to be held if the Governor in Council should so decide after considering a written statement of the grounds on which it appears to the Chief Secretary that the banishment of an individual from the colony is conducive to the public good. Whether or not any enquiry is held is determined by reference to the circumstances and the facts of the particular case.