HC Deb 06 June 1940 vol 361 cc981-3
31. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Home Secretary in how many cases are aliens still residing as visitors or servants in the homes of Ministers and persons occupying high positions in the Civil Service and the forces; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the country against dangerous leakages in this regard?

Sir J. Anderson

I am not in a position to reply to the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, a grave responsibility rests on all persons who are in possession of confidential information to take the utmost care that there shall be no opportunities for the leakage of such information to unauthorised persons, whether they are aliens or British subjects; and, while it would not be right to treat all aliens including for example French or American nationals as though they were potential enemies, there will be no failure to keep before the minds of those in responsible positions the need for special care as regards inmates of their households.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that there have been specific cases of great indiscretion by people holding important offices under the Government in giving hospitality to enemy aliens, and though they may appear to be innocent persons is he not also aware that the most successful spies will inevitably appear to be the most innocent persons?

Sir J. Anderson

There is a great deal of truth in the remarks of the hon. Member.

Mr. Garro Jones

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken no steps to ascertain in how many cases high Army officers and high civil servants have alien servants in their households, and if he has not taken such steps by direct inquiry will he proceed to do so?

Sir J. Anderson

It is not for me to take such steps. I have been in communication with my colleagues who might be concerned.

Mr. Shinwell

Could the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there are no enemy aliens in the homes of Ministers?

Sir J. Anderson

It is obvious that I cannot give such an assurance to the House.

Mr. Garro Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman put himself in a position to give that assurance?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to circulate his original reply to the Civil Service generally, so that everyone shall know exactly what the Government feel on this matter?

Sir J. Anderson

If, in a matter affecting security, I feel any doubt that the matter concerns not myself but a colleague, the House may take it that I always see that my colleague is made aware of it.