§ 39. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state how many alien enemies are now interned in this country; how many have been released since the 1st January last; and how many known aliens are now residing in permitted areas?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe first two parts of the question should be addressed to the War Office. With regard to the last part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the figures given in answer to similar questions on 23rd November and 10th February. I have no reason to suppose that there has been any considerable change since that date, and I should not feel justified in adding to the labours of the police at the present time by calling upon them to make another return.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that in spite of the air raids he still continues to allow the same number of alien enemies to reside in prohibited areas as four months ago?
§ Mr. McKENNANo. The question has been debated several times and the hon. Gentleman has been told frequently that the responsibility is not with me.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSBut the right hon. Gentleman is answering the question?
§ Mr. McKENNANo. I am only answering the question as to numbers.