HC Deb 11 January 1916 vol 77 cc1444-5
46. Major WHELER

asked the Prime Minister whether, as neither the military or police authorities will make known to Mr. Mantle, a British subject of Bayford, near Sittingbourne, the charges against him on account of which he is not allowed to reside at his house at Bayford and is suffering financial loss, he will authorize some court of inquiry to be held before which Mr. Mantle may be brought and the charges against him either confirmed or withdrawn?

Mr. TENNANT

The whole case has been carefully reconsidered and reviewed, but the decision reached was that it was not desirable for Mr. Mantle to return to Bayford. How long this decision may be kept in force I cannot say at present. Under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman is probably aware, no provision is made for courts of inquiry.

Major WHELER

Will this British subject have no information at all of what he is accused?

Mr. TENNANT

These questions are questions of suspicion; they are not necessarily charges.