HC Deb 18 November 1914 vol 68 cc409-10
16 and 17. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he is aware that Franz Boehm, an alien enemy, was convicted at the Altrincham Petty Sessions, on the 18th September, 1914, for not registering his address and also for travelling without a permit; whether he was sentenced to three months' hard labour for each offence, which was subsequently reduced, on the 19th October, 1914, by the Quarter Sessions at Knutsford to three months' hard labour in all; and whether he has released or is proposing to release such alien enemy; and (2) whether, before deciding to release Franz Boehm, he consulted the clerk of the peace of the county or the chairman of Quarter Sessions; and by whom representations were made to him causing him to order his liberation?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

The facts of the conviction are as stated in the questions, except that the first charge was not that Boehm failed to register, but that on changing his residence from Cheshire to Manchester and registering there, he omitted to notify the county police of his removal. I received a petition from the prisoner and representations through the American Embassy, and I made inquiries which showed clearly that the alien had no intention to conceal his residence and that his offences were due—in part, at any rate—to a misunderstanding as to requirements. In these circumstances I felt it my duty to advise the remission of the criminal sentence, but, as he is an alien enemy of military age, he has been handed over to the military authorities for internment by them and he is now interned.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the second question. Did he consult the magistrates of Quarter Sessions? It will be seen from the report of the magistrates of Quarter Sessions that they took a strong view in regard to the case.

Mr. McKENNA

I am sorry I have not looked at that. We looked at the papers to see if any communication was made to them.

Mr. BUTCHER

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be right and proper to consult the local magistrates in such circumstances?

Mr. McKENNA

That would be the usual course, and I do not understand why it was not followed in this case.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

I will put down another question on this matter.

Mr. McKENNA

I would ask the hon. Member to communicate with me privately.