HL Deb 04 July 1918 vol 30 cc629-30

LORD BERESFORD had the following Notice standing in his name on the Order Paper for Tuesday next—

To call attention to the number of uninterned aliens in the country, and to ask whether a Return can be given of uninterned aliens; whether a Return can be given of the number of aliens who were naturalised since the war; if it can be stated how many naturalised aliens are employed in Government offices; whether particulars can be given of Mr. Wendt, at present serving under the Road Board; whether he is of German birth, what salary he is getting, and what work he is doing, and who were the persons who undertook to be sponsors for his loyalty; can a Return be given of the number of Germans who have changed their names during the last five years, and whether enemy aliens are now permitted to change their names; who is the official at the Home Office to whom the powers are entrusted for relaxing regulations laid down as regards visits to prisoners of war or interned aliens; to ask for particulars as to the storage of coal by Baron Schroeder; what amount of coal he had ordered during 1917–1918; what amount of coal was found to be in his possession; whether he got permission from the Coal Controller to buy the coal; has the coal been removed, and if not, can a reason be given; and to move for Papers.

The noble and gallant Lord said: My Lords, I beg to move that I be given the permission of the House to advance my Motion (now standing for Tuesday next) to Monday next. It would not be respectful to your Lordships if I did not give quite shortly the reasons why I wish to do this. I put down this Motion about inquiry into the aliens in this country twice. It is now down for Tuesday, and I see that the Government have put down four Bills on that day. I do not suppose that the Land Drainage Bill and the Midwives Bill will take long. The Loans (Incumbrance of Benefices) Amendment Bill may; but; the Corn Production (Amendment) Bill will certainly take a long time. Therefore I should again have to postpone my Motion. The Government must be quite aware of the great excitement in the public mind about the aliens—

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF CRAWFORD)

We agree to the Motion.

LORD BERESFORD

Then there is no need for me to say anything further?

THE EARL OF CRAWFORD

I cannot guarantee that the Government will reply, but we agree to the Motion to advance the Notice to Monday next.

Moved, That the permission of the House be given to Lord Beresford to advance his Notice (now standing from Tuesday next) to Monday next.—(Lord Beresford).

On Question, Motion agreed to.