NUMBER OF DETAINEES INTERROGATED SINCE 1-2-63

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs how many persons detained since 1st February, 1963 have already been interrogated by the Special Branch.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, all the persons detained have had statements taken from them. Because of the number of detainees and the availability of a limited number of skilled interrogators, it has been possible to interrogate only about one-third of the persons detained so far.

Mr David Marshall: One-third? I am sorry, Sir. There is a little confusion. I understood the Minister to say that all of them have been interrogated. Is that inaccurate, Sir?

Mr Speaker: Perhaps the Minister would like to repeat the answer.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, all the persons detained have had statements taken from them.

Mr David Marshall: Have had?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Statements only taken from them. But the actual number of persons who have been fully interrogated is only one-third.

Mr David Marshall: Can I ask a supplementary question to that? Are the one-third whose interrogation is completed now allowed access to newspapers and books?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think since 28th March reading materials have been allowed to all detainees.

Mr David Marshall: Newspapers?

Tun Lim Yew Hock: No, the Petir.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, reading materials as brought by the detainees' families.