40. Mr. NICHOLSONasked the Home Secretary how many Germans are now at Beech Abbey, near Alton, Hampshire; whether there is any guard, police or military, over them; whether, in view of the fact that Beech Abbey is within a few miles of Aldershot and close to the Alder-shot-Southampton railway, over which military trains are constantly passing, any precautions have been taken; if the Germans are in any way confined to the precincts of Beech Abbey; whether he has been approached by the local authorities on this matter; and if any precautions of any kind have been adopted by the Home Office?
§ Mr. McKENNAThis is a matter which has been receiving the close attention of my Department since the War began. The establishment at Beech Abbey, which has been of the greatest assistance in dealing with foreign seamen thrown out of employment in the present emergency, accommodates at present somewhat less than 200 German seamen, most of whom had been serving in British ships. They are confined to the precincts, and, though there is no special police or military guard posted outside, the place is kept under careful supervision by the police. Various representations in regard to the establishment have been received and given due consideration in consultation with the military authorities, and no precautions which may be deemed necessary will be omitted.