§ 25. Mr. TOUCHEasked the Home Secretary whether his Department received a communication in the latter part of May from the committee of Lloyd's with reference to three persons of German nationality, one of whom is a partner in a firm of underwriters' representatives, the others being employed by the same firm; is he aware that ever since the beginning of the War the committee of Lloyd's have prohibited these three men from coming to Lloyd's, and have notified the Home Office that, in their opinion, it is a national danger for them to be at liberty as, owing to their connection with the firm, they have access to intelligence with regard to English shipping and commercial matters which might be used to the disadvantage of this country; is he aware that the committee wrote a second time on the 7th June, as no reply was received to their original communication, and have had only a bare acknowledgment on a printed form; will he say whether these men are still at liberty; and whether, in view of the warning from the committee of Lloyd's and to avoid any possibility of public danger, any action has been or is proposed to be taken by the Government for the curtailment of their liberties at the present time?
§ Sir J. SIMONBoth letters were received at the Home Office and were immediately sent to the police to be dealt with. I understand that directions have been given for the internment of the three persons referred to by the hon. Member.