DETAINEES - CONFINEMENT CONDITIONS

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary if he will describe the conditions in which persons detained under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance, 1955, are confined; and if he will state whether there is any separate Detention Camp provided for such detainees.

Mr E. B. David: Sir, the conditions are laid down in instructions issued by the Chief Secretary under subsection (3) of section 3 of the Ordinance. I will supply the hon. Member with a copy of these instructions if he wishes. Conditions of detention follow as far as is practicable the conditions imposed in the United Kingdom on detainees under Defence Regulation 18 (b) during the last War. The conditions are as liberal as considerations of security and discipline permit. Detainees are not required to work except for the purpose of keeping their rooms and precincts clean.

There is no separate detention camp for detainees but subject to the availability of suitable accommodation, detainees are not kept in confinement with convicted prisoners.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Hon. the Chief Secretary tell us why there is no separate detention camp for detainees, and are such detainees considered as prisoners or criminals?

Mr E. B. David: Sir, I have already said that such detainees are not considered as convicted prisoners and their conditions are, as far as it is possible to make them, consonant with those which have been in force in the United Kingdom for those detained during the last War.

As regards putting up a separate detention camp, that would be a matter of building, Sir, It would cost money and we very much hope that it would not be necessary to retain this accommodation for any length of time.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, can the Chief Secretary tell us will the Government then consider utilising some of the buildings that Government possesses to turn them into such detention camps?

Mr Speaker: Perhaps the hon. Member would like to repeat his question?

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Can the Chief Secretary tell us, Sir, will the Government consider utilising some of the present Government department buildings and turn them into detention camps for detainees?

Mr E. B. David: I am afraid, Sir, that there is no surplus accommodation among the present Government buildings.