HC Deb 10 October 1940 vol 365 cc468-71
10. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that over 100 British-born women are interned because their husbands are of enemy origin; and whether he will consider placing them in a category for early release?

Mr. Peake

These women have not been interned merely because their husbands are of enemy nationality. They have been interned because they failed to satisfy a tribunal or regional advisory committee that they could properly be exempted from the special restrictions applicable to persons of enemy nationality, and were accordingly placed in Category B. I am, however, arranging that the cases of all women in Category B which have not already been reviewed by a regional advisory committee shall be considered as soon as possible by the special advisory committee mentioned in Part B of the recent White Paper.

Mr. G. Strauss

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether that Advisory Committee is making any progress?

Mr. Peake

It has actually gone to the Isle of Man and is sitting at the present time.

17. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make any statement about the setting up of mixed camps for interned aliens?

Mr. Peake

The question of mixed camps presents many difficulties, and prior consideration has had to be given to the more urgent problem of finding additional accommodation to permit of the evacuation of camps unsuitable for winter use. The matter is, however, being pursued.

Mr. Strauss

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the matter has been pursued now for over three months? Is there any prospect of finality?

Mr. Peake

Perhaps the hon. Member will bear in mind that at the present moment releases are taking place from both male and female camps in a steady flow, and that a review which is in progress of all the women in Category B will probably result in the release of a good number of women. Until we can see what scope of accommodation is required it is very difficult to plan for a mixed camp.

3. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that letters from internees sent to Canada and posted in the middle of July did not reach their addresses in this country until seven weeks later; whether there is now reasonable facility of communication; whether small sums of money can be sent to such internees; and whether any of these internees have yet had their cases reconsidered and have returned to this country?

Mr. Peake

I am informed that, owing to initial difficulties, letters written by internees soon after their arrival in Canada took some time to reach this country, but I understand that the arrangements for transmitting their letters are now working smoothly and there is no unreasonable delay. I am most anxious that proper facilities shall be given to these internees to communicate with their friends in this country. As regards the remission of money to internees in Canada, under the Exchange Control Regulations money can only be remitted to Canada with Treasury approval; if this is obtained it may be sent to the Director of Internment Operations, Ottawa, to be credited by the Commandant concerned to the internee's account. As regards the last part of the Question, a number of such cases have been reconsidered and some have already returned to this country, but I am not in a position to give exact statistics.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask whether the sending of a few shillings to internees in Canada requires Treasury approval beforehand? Also, could not the hon. Gentleman see that letters sent by friends of internees from this country may consist of more than 24 lines? Finally, will he expedite the whole consideration and examination of internees' applications for release, so that far more can be released from Canada to this country?

Mr. Peake

I will look into all the points which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned.

Mr. G. Strauss

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Treasury will not allow money to be sent unless under Government direction? Could there not be an arrangement by which each internee receives a small amount weekly without applying to the Treasury?

Mr. Peake

I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on that matter.

Mr. Wedgwood

Have His Majesty's Government the power to order the release of these internees, or is it subject to the Canadian Government?

Mr. Peake

The United Kingdom Government is the only Government which can order the release of internees, whether in Canada or elsewhere.

Mr. Wedgwood

In that case, all the regulations concerning that camp emanate from His Majesty's Government and not from the Canadian Government?

Mr. Peake

The actual day-to-day administration of the camps is under the control of the Dominions, subject to general instructions from this country.

Miss Rathbone

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the regulations for release apply to those who want to join the A.M.P.S.?

Mr. Speaker

rose—

Miss Rathbone

This is a point on which there is great anxiety. May I not ask the question?

7. Mr. Simmonds (for Mr. Cecil Wilson)

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Arthur Ermler, who is an expert in the production of aluminium foil and other forms of the metal, and who has been resident in this country since 1933, was interned on 25th June; that information has been given to his Department as to the work upon which the firm is engaged being of a secret nature and of national importance; that Mr. Ermler's continued internment is preventing the completion of important contracts; and whether anything can be done to secure his release?

Mr. Peake

This is a case in which the question whether the alien occupied a key position in a factory engaged on work of national importance involves inquiries by the Ministry of Labour. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend about the case, and will see that a decision is expedited.

Mr. Simmonds

Is it not a fact that there is still a considerable number of these aliens who are urgently required by the munitions industry, who are indeed vouched for by the managers of the particular factories and whose cases are still under consideration? Could not my hon. Friend give a somewhat more satisfactory explanation?

Mr. Peake

In my experience, the delay in this case is quite exceptional.

Mr. A. Bevan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some months ago I brought to the notice of the Home Office the case of an Italian who is a highly-skilled precision worker, and who has been over 20 years in this country with nothing against him? What is the use of saying that these are exceptions? They are not.

Mr. Peake

That point does not arise from the Question.

Mr. Bevan

On a point of Order. It arises out of the hon. Gentleman's reply.

11. Mr. Granville (for Captain Heilgers)

asked the Home Secretary whether the release of Mrs. Beaumont, of Rous Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, from internment has been finally ordered; and what were the grounds for ordering her release?

Mr. Peake

Mrs. Beaumont was released because, as the result of further inquiries made after her detention, my right hon. Friend was satisfied that it was not necessary to exercise control over her.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Would it not he better to make inquiries first rather than intern people and subject them to these indignities?