HC Deb 21 February 1916 vol 80 cc410-1
47. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that it has now been laid down by the Divisional Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal that the King in Council can arrest without warrant any of his subjects, can imprison them without formulating any charge against them, and can keep them in prison without trial; whether the Government intended that the vague phraseology of the Defence of the Realm Acts should involve the suspension of habeas corpus; and whether time will be granted to this House to discuss so grave a departure from the constitutional rights and liberties of British subjects?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I do not think I can add anything to the answer I gave on Thursday last, except to point out again that the regulation which was the subject of decision by the Courts does not affect any British subject except such as are recommended by the competent authority for internment by reason of their "hostile origin and associations." I believe the case is under appeal.

Mr. ASHLEY

Does not that mean that the person who interns is also the judge of these people who are shut up?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir.

Mr. ANDERSON

If the man is not going to have a trial who is going to judge whether or not he is of hostile association?

The PRIME MINISTER

All these things are done under the advice and after consultation with the Advisory Committee.