§ 35. Sir A. MARKHAMasked the Home Secretary if I. G. W. Grü ban was an enemy alien on the outbreak of war, why naturalisation was granted; whether the Ministry of Munitions has brought charges against Grü ban that he broke its regulations and made false returns whilst manager of Haigh, Grü ban, and Company, Limited; whether Grü ban, whilst in the service of Kirchener (Prussia), sold German machines as British; whether any communication has been received from the present directors of Haighs, of Oldham, inviting the Home Office to investigate certain matters; and if Grü ban is still at liberty and is making arrangements for a supply of German wood-working machines to be shipped to the Colonies as British machines on peace being restored?
Mr. SAMUELGrü iban, who is of German origin, was naturalised in September, 1914, my predecessor being satisfied at the time that it was a proper case for naturalisation on public grounds. I would suggest that the second part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions. I have received communications from the present chairman and managing director of the company with regard to the matter referred to in the third part of the question, 1499 and I have brought them to the notice of the Board of Trade. An Order for Grü ban's internment was made and acted upon, but the Advisory Committee recommended his provisional release on sureties, pending a full inquiry, and subsequently, after a prolonged investigation, recommended that he should not be again interned. I am not aware that Grü ban is making any such arrangements as the hon. Member suggests, but should be glad to be furnished with the evidence that he is so engaged.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British Engineers Association brought to the notice of the Home Office some months ago their opinion that this man was a spy, and that information has been sent to the Government that in the office of this man a spy box was actually found where a man was taking notes of an interview between this man and a representative of the Ministry of Munitions?
Mr. SAMUELAll the facts were laid before the Advisory Committee, which considered this case over a period of no less than three days, with the result I have stated.
Mr. TYSON WILSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department was warned when this man applied for naturalisation papers that he was not a fit and proper person to be naturalised?
Mr. SAMUELThat was in September, 1914, long before I was at the Home Office. I think they made pretty full inquiries at the time.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMWhy should this alien enemy be made a naturalised British subject in spite of the protests of British manufacturers?
Mr. SAMUELI do not think there was any protest at the time. There may have been one in 1914. He was naturalised, I understand, because he was the sole head of a large business employing a considerable number of British workpeople, and it was understood that he had lost his German nationality.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this very same firm by whom he was employed he was changing and putting false name plates on their machines?
§ Mr. PRINGLEWho is interesting himself in this person?
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYIs there no method of cancelling naturalisation certificates afterwards proved to have been obtained fraudulently?
Mr. SAMUELThe law only provides for the cancellation of naturalisation certificates that have been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.