HC Deb 17 May 1915 vol 71 cc1970-1
23. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether he was aware of the uncertainty and alarm caused by the issue of the registration forms A.R.E. to all hotels, inns, and lodging-houses; whether he could make a statement which will explain the inquiries therein made; and, if consistent with the public safety, whether he can state the object of requiring all British subjects to register when temporarily moving from place to place?

Mr. McKENNA

As I explained in answer to a question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy Burghs last Tuesday, the object of the Order referred to, which was made on the recommendation of a Sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, is to secure means of tracing the movements of aliens, who, unlike enemy aliens, are not required to register with the police wherever they go. All that is asked of British subjects staying in hotels, inns, or lodging-houses, is to make and sign a statement showing that they are of British nationality. I am not aware that these simple requirements have caused any alarm.