HC Deb 30 November 1916 vol 88 cc476-8
83. Sir H. DALZIEL

asked the Home Secretary whether certain interned aliens at Islington are still allowed to leave the camp periodically; and whether it is in tended that the practice shall continue?

Mr. SAMUEL

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement I made on 28th June last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the St. Augustine's Division. The practice is the same now as then, but the number of permits has been reduced and is now very small.

84. Sir H. DALZIEL

asked the Home Secretary whether he caused an inquiry to be made into the recent escape from Islington Camp of Ferdinand Kehrman, Grseme Scott, and Edward Hodgson, and with what result?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have inquired into the matter, and after consultation with the Commandant have authorised measures calculated to prevent any similar escapes.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Does my right hon. Friend not think it advisable that there ought to be a military guard in this camp as well as in every other camp?

Mr. SAMUEL

It is not thought necessary in the circumstances.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Does he not consider it desirable that these men, if guilty' of any offence, should be brought to trial and not kept in prison month after month and no charge made against them?

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why there is a military commandant for the Irish prisoners at Frongoch and not for the Germans in London?

Mr. SAMUEL

There is a military commandant at this camp.

Mr. HEALY

You said that there were no soldiers.

Mr. SAMUEL

I said that there was no military guard.

Mr. HEALY

Then why is there a military guard for the Irish prisoners at Frongoch and not for the Germans in London?

Mr. SAMUEL

The circumstances are entirely different. There are military guards at most of the camps in which Germans are confined in London.

Mr. BILLING

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that these men are dangerous to the community?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir.

Mr. BILLING

Then why was there no guard?

Mr. HEALY

He wants to let them escape.