HC Deb 16 November 1916 vol 87 cc985-6
113. Mr. G. FABER

asked whsther the premises of the Deutsche Bank, the Dresdner Bank, and the Disconto-Gesell-schaft have ever been searched by the police or officers appointed by any Government Department since the outbreak of War?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir. The premises of these banks were searched by the City Police when they took possession of them on the morning of the 7th August, 1914 The police remained in possession of the premises day and night until Sir William Plender was appointed controller, and for some considerable time after that they continued to assist him.

115. Mr. FABER

asked whether all the Germans allowed to remain uninterned and in the employment of the Deutsche Bank, the Dresdner Bank, and the Disconto-Gesellschaft since the outbreak of war have been interned immediately on ceasing to be so employed and are now interned; and how many still remain uninterned?

Mr. SAMUEL

Of 118 Germans and Austrians who remained in the employment of these banks after the outbreak of war 104 have from time to time been interned as their services were dispensed with. A few of these have since been repatriated. Of the remaining fourteen, eight are still employed at the banks, at the request of the controller, and six have been allowed to remain at liberty upon the general principles which have been observed throughout in granting exemptions from internment and repatriation.