CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT, ROBINSON ROAD, AND CENTRAL POLICE STATION (SPECIAL BRANCH) (Access to public during

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary-

(a) if he is aware that the Criminal Investigation Department at Robinson Road and the top floor of the Central Police Station occupied be the Special Branch were not open to the general public during the recent "Police Week", and to state the reasons therefor; and

(b) whether he will arrange for those two Branches of the Police Force to be open to the public, along with Divisional Police Stations, during future "Police Weeks".

Mr E. B. David: Yes, Sir. The primary object of "Police Week" was to encourage the general public to familiarise themselves with those sections of the Police Force which are concerned with direct service to the public when they wish to make a report for a request for assistance. The C.I.D. and Special Branch do not come in this category.

The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Mr Speaker, Sir, by barring the public from visiting the C.I.D. and the Special Branch, would this not give rise to more suspicion that the allegations of torture are true?

Mr David: I do not agree with the hon. Member's insinuations.

Mr Speaker: It would be a matter of opinion.