HC Deb 02 March 1916 vol 80 cc1189-90
45. Mr. ELLIS DAVIES

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in course of the argument on the Zadig case, the Attorney-General claimed that naturalborn British subjects could be interned without trial under the Regulations made under the Defence of the Realm Act; and whether, if the statement made by the Attorney-General represents the view of the Cabinet, he can see his way to afford the House of Commons an opportunity of discussing the advisability or otherwise of vesting such powers in the Executive?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE (for the Prime Minister)

The Attorney-General did not make the claim in the language or the sense suggested in the question. The Attorney-General claimed, as is the fact, that natural-born British subjects can be interned "if they have a hostile origin or associations," and not otherwise. I believe the case is under appeal, and I do not think it desirable that the question should be discussed in this House till the appeal has been decided.

Mr. DAVIES

Is not the Attorney-General so reported in the "'Times' Law. Reports"?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That I cannot say. The Attorney-General states that that is the position which he maintained in argument.

Mr. ASHLEY

Are we to understand that no British subjects are interned under that Order?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

If they are of hostile origin or association they come within that principle.

Mr. DAVIES

Did not the Lord Chief Justice expressly say that the question was not the validity of that regulation, but the power of the Executive to make the regulation, and that was the decision?

Mr. PRINGLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what "hostile association" is?

Mr. KING

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

I understand that the matter is before the Courts.