BANISHMENT ORDINANCE (Number of detainees)

Mr Seah Peng Chuan asked the Chief Secretary-

(a) how many persons are at present detained under the Banishment Ordinance (Cap. 127); and

(b) whether, and how many, persons now detained under the Banishment Ordinance, have been so detained for:-

(i) more than one year;

(ii) more than six months and up to one year; and

(iii) more than three months and up to six months.

Mr E. B. David: Sir, as on 17th April, there were 35 persons detained under the Banishment Ordinance. The answer to the second part of the Question is 23, 4 and 1 respectively.

Mr Lee Choon Eng (Queenstown): Sir, can the Hon. the Chief Secretary tell us what is the cause of the long delay in banishing these people?

Mr E. B. David: That is the subject of a later question, Sir.