HC Deb 25 May 1916 vol 82 cc2268-9
18. Major HUNT

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any communication from the Wandsworth tribunal to the effect that they had received a list of nine enemy aliens released from internment camps who were now working at their trade in or near London; and could he say whether any of these men, and, if so, how many were working for men of German, Austrian, or enemy origin?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir, I have received the list and have made inquiry into the nine cases. Six of the men are in the employ of British subjects, one is a master baker, and two are employed by German subjects. Four of the six British employers are British born, two are naturalised men of German origin, while of the two German employers, one is interned and the other is a widow, who has been here since she was fourteen. Eight of the nine men were recommended for exemption by the Advisory Committee. They had all been resident in this country for thirty years or upwards except one, who had resided for twenty-eight years, having come to this country at the age of two. The ninth is not a German, but a Hungarian, who has been twenty years in this country.

Major HUNT

Is the master baker of German or enemy origin?

Mr. SAMUEL

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better read my answer.

19. Major HUNT

asked the Home Secretary how many bakers of German, Austrian, or enemy origin there were in Wandsworth before the War began; and how many bakers of enemy origin there are in Wandsworth at the present time?

Mr. SAMUEL

At the beginning of the War forty-three enemy alien bakers registered as being employed in the borough of Wandsworth; the present number is seventeen. There were, in addition on the outbreak of War seven enemy alien bakers residing in the borough but employed elsewhere. Of these three are still resident there. The information available only relates to enemy aliens.