§ 13. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a resolution from the urban district council of Buckfastleigh, in Devon, in whose district there are forty alien enemies of military age in the Abbey, objecting to having to undertake the watching of the Abbey and asking for the internment of the enemy aliens there; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?
§ Mr. BRACEMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary received the resolution referred to. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a question by the junior Member for Devonport on 27th February.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIs my hon. Friend aware that this resolution was only-passed by the district council this month, and the answer on 27th February had no possible reference?
§ Mr. BRACEMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary received the resolution before this answer was prepared.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIs he going to do anything with regard to the very 1662 strong feeling in the locality that these people ought to be interned instead of watched by special constables?
§ Mr. BRACEIf the people at. this particular centre were interned they could claim their repatriation because they were priests.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSLet them go.
§ Mr. BRACEThe hon. Member says, "Let them go." At this moment they are doing very serviceable work for this nation, and these are just the type of men Germany would like to have to do work of national service for them. Hence we do not think that is the proper policy to pursue.
§ Colonel BURNDoes the hon. Gentleman not think they would be very probably doing work not for this nation but for our enemies?
§ Mr. BRACEIf my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary or any section of the Home Office thought for one moment that these men could not be safely left where they are, believe me they would be interned.