HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 cc995-6
67. Mr. Radford

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of an uninterned German named Fredrich Schweitzer, aged 22 years, who was arrested near the powder magazine in Hyde Park after midnight last week-end; why this man had not already been interned, and how many enemy aliens are still similarly at liberty?

Sir J. Anderson

The German in question is believed to be suffering from some form of mental disorder and has accordingly been remanded for a medical examination. He was classified by the local tribunal as a refugee from Nazi oppression and placed in Category C. As regards the last part of the Question, some 25,000 male Germans and Austrians were placed by the tribunals in Category C, but as my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, the internment of further classes of C Category males is at present in progress.

Mr. Radford

Is not the right hon. Gentleman fully experienced in that attitude of pretending to be simple, deaf and daft, and will his experience in this case not open his eyes at long last to the risks we are running with 25,000 other men who may do potential damage?

Sir J. Anderson

I thought it would be clear from my answer that the person has been remanded. That means remanded by a court.

Mr. Silverman

Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that nearly all the aliens who were placed in Category C were placed there because on investigation it was found that they were themselves the victims of those who are the common enemy?

Sir J. Anderson

That is the plain truth.