§ 14. Mr. R. MCNEILLasked the Home Secretary if he can say whether Mr. Sehmer, of Toat Farm, Pulborough, was one of the three naturalised British subjects of whom the late Home Secretary stated on the 9th of June, 1915, that an Order in Council to cover those cases was then being obtained; whether he is aware that Sehmer, a German naturalised shortly before the outbreak of war, is connected with the family of that name owning one of the largest armament factories in Germany; if he will ascertain and state the result of the inquiry about this man promised by the late Under-Secretary of State for War on the 19th of May, 1915; if he will say whether Sehmer has ever been interned under the Order in Council referred to; if he is aware that Sehmer is now residing in a house facing the sea at 21, South Terrace, Littlehampton; and whether, having regard to the circumstances mentioned, it is proposed to allow this man of hostile origin and association to remain uninterned?
Mr. SAMUELMr. Sehmer, by reason of his German origin, could be dealt with under the Defence of the Realm Regulation 14B if there was reason to think that, for the purpose of securing the public safety or the defence of the realm, it was necessary to place restrictions upon him. Mr. Sehmer has not been interned under this Regulation and the consideration which has been given in his case by the proper authorities has not disclosed any reason for interning him. Mr. Sehmer is not residing and has not resided at Littlehampton; he has only been there for short visits while his British-born wife and family were staying there recently for a few weeks. I understand that my right 1165 hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland communicated with the hon. Member as to the inquiry referred to.
§ Mr. McNEILLNo.