§ 35. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked whether one Mark Auerbach, a German spy, has been found on a mine sweeper in the North Sea and, instead of being handed over to the naval authorities, has been prosecuted merely as an unregistered alien and sentenced to three months' hard labour; and, if so, why this leniency was shown?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe man was removed from his employment on a hired trawler and full inquiries were made. No sufficient evidence, however, was forthcoming that the man was a spy, and it was therefore intended that he should be handed over to the civil authorities to be dealt with. Owing to a regrettable mistake at the port, this order miscarried, and the man was discharged to the shore. He was, however, rearrested and prosecuted as stated in the question. I may add that he entered and served in the trawler under the name of Alexander Gordon.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIn these circumstances, would it not have been better for the Navy to take charge of this man themselves?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is very doubtful how far we could proceed under the Naval Discipline Act. He was discharged because no charge was formulated against him, and then handed over to the civil authorities, who punished him as stated.
§ 36. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the probability that information has been conveyed to the enemy's fleet by alien spies, he proposes to take further and, if so, what steps to prevent this being repeated?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI can assure the hon. Member that every step is being taken that offers any possibility of checking the practice, but he will readily understand that a statement by me as to measures being taken and to be taken would be more likely to defeat their purpose than assist it.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I take it, then, that the right hon. Gentleman agrees with the practice?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYou may take it from me that we will take every opportunity of checking it.