§ 48. Sir I. Alberyasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that it is not the intention of the Government to bring in an Act of Indemnity after the war with reference to action taken under Regulation 18B?
§ The Prime MinisterI know of no matters in connection with the administration of Defence Regulation 18B which necessitate an Act of Indemnity, but I 2082 have little doubt that at the end of the war consideration will have to be given to legislation such as was passed at the end of the last war to grant indemnity in respect of acts done in good faith and in the execution of duty or for the defence of the realm or the successful prosecution of the war. If such legislation is proposed, it will, of course, be subject to debate in the usual way.
§ Sir I. AlberyCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that persons who have been detained without charge and without trial will subsequently have some opportunity, if they so desire, of proving that they were not guilty?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I am certainly not in a position to give such an assurance.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWould not some of the people concerned lose by being brought to public trial?