DETAINEES UNDER P.P.S.O. IN CENTRAL POLICE STATION LOCK-UPS

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether any detainees under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance are detained in the Central Police Station lock-ups, what is the longest period any detainee has been in such lock-up, and whether conditions in such lock-ups are subject to scrutiny by visiting justices or other non-police bodies.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, a number of persons detained under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance are at present held at the Central Police Station lock-up for interrogation purposes. The longest period during which any detainee has been held at the Central Police Station lock-up is since the time when the first batch of persons were arrested on 2nd February, 1963. The conditions at the Central Police Station lock-up are subject to inspection by a Board of Inspection consisting of the Solicitor-General and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mr David Marshall: Am I to understand, Sir, that some of them have been in this lock-up for more than two months? And since I am on my feet, if I might ask a second supplementary question? Would the Minister consider the suggestion of Amnesty International made to the Prime Minister that the Red Cross be given permission to investigate conditions?

The Prime Minister: May I reply?

Mr Speaker: No. It is Question Time. Mr Ong Pang Boon.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: There is no objection to inspection by the Red Cross. As I have said just now, some of them have been in detention at the Central Police Station lock-up since 2nd February.