§ 31 and 32. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether (1) he will institute separate tribunals of men intimate with the various nationalities to consider the cases of allied citizens of France, Italy, Russia, Portugal, and Japan who being of military age are now to be deported to their various countries; and (2) whether he intends to establish appeal as well as local tribunals to hear the cases of aliens to be deported to allied countries; and whether he will use his powers under the Defence of the Realm Acts and regulations to compel the attendance of aliens before the tribunals which will decide their cases?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The answer is, as I informed my hon. Friend a few days ago, that details of the scheme are now being worked out. I cannot anticipate the conclusion of the matter by statements on particular points which are under consideration. Meanwhile I deprecate the use of phrases calculated to lead to the misconception that the subject of an Allied State is liable to deportation merely because he is of military age.
§ Mr. SNOWDENWill the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that none of those persons shall be deported till they have had an opportunity of appearing before one of these tribunals?
§ Mr. SAMUELYes, Sir, that is the plan I have always had in view.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware there are men now under threat of deportation although the tribunals have not yet been set up?
§ Mr. SAMUELNo, Sir, I am not aware of that.
§ Mr. SAMUELI should be very glad of the name.