HC Deb 01 March 1915 vol 70 cc539-40
41. Mr. FALLE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that Mr. Waugh, the Kingsclere trainer, had three Austrian stable lads under the age of seventeen, and that these lads have been interned as dangerous; if he is aware that the discipline of a training stable is strict, and that Mr. Waugh is willing to re-employ these lads; if alien lads of the same class and age have been allowed to return to trainers at New-market (although there are many troops in the neighbourhood) by leave of the Home Office; and if he can give the authority on whose recommendation Mr. Waugh's lads were interned?

Mr. TENNANT

After consultation with the police authorities concerned, it was considered to be inadvisable to release the three boys in question, although they would be subject to some supervision at Kingsclere, where, it was understood, they would be given employment. The ages of these lads are given as eighteen, seventeen, and eighteen. An Austrian aged twenty-four was released to resume employment in a training stable at Newmarket, the police having stated that there was no objection to this being done. The Kingsclere lads were interned in accordance with the general instructions issued to the police in October.

Mr. FALLE

Will these men be now interned?

Mr. TENNANT

It is impossible to tell that, but I should say Yes.

103. Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether an opportunity will be given to merchants and traders in the Isle of Wight to tender for supplies required for the services of the alien prisoners at present interned in ships stationed in the Solent?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

Under the arrangements made by the Admiralty these supplies are made by the owners of the vessels concerned. I may say, however, that the ships will very shortly be moved from the neighbourhood of the Isle of Wight.