§ 58. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Home Secretary how many naturalised Germans and Austrians have changed their names since the outbreak of war; and whether he will consider the advisability of insisting upon the original names still being used for business purposes, in order that commercial men might know with whom they were dealing?
Mr. SAMUELThe information which the hon. Member asks for in the first part of his question is not available. I have no authority to give effect to the suggestion contained in the second part of the question.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that he has not got power to issue regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act to effect the purpose, if he is disposed to do so?
§ Sir E. CARSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people have been trading with firms without knowing they were German?
Mr. SAMUELVery likely that is so. The matter will come before the House in connection with a Bill dealing with the registration of business names, which will come forward before very long.
§ Mr. McNEILLWhen the right hon. Gentleman says that he has no information in regard to the first part of the question is he aware that this point was put to his predecessor? The right hon. Member for Walthamstow some time ago said that these men who had changed their names were well known to the police.
Mr. SAMUELI do not think he said that with regard to British subjects—naturalised Germans—but in reference to aliens who were still of German nationality.
§ 59. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Home Secretary whether Josef Kraft, a dressmaker, of New Bond Street, is an unnaturalised enemy alien; whether he is practically the sole proprietor of St. George's House Restaurant, Limited, in 1124 St. Martin's Lane; whether this restaurant is a meeting place for dangerous and anti-British aliens; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?
Mr. SAMUELThe answer to the first two paragraphs is in the affirmative. Kraft is a Hungarian who was exempted from, internment on the advice of the Advisory Committee. The police have no reason to think that the restaurant in question is a meeting place for dangerous aliens. I propose to consider the case further.
§ Sir E. CARSONDid the Advisory Committee give any reason or make any report?
Mr. SAMUELNo, Sir. They consider each case. This man, who is a Hungarian, employs about eighty British subjects in his two businesses. He came here as a youth, and has been in this country nearly twenty years. Those are the reasons why he was exempted.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this tribunal takes the view that it has a narrow reference, and that there are many matters outside their reference which ought to be considered by the Home Office?