§ 31. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether Peter Petroff, a Russian subject, is still interned without having been brought to trial; whether, in view of his sympathy with the Russian revolution and of the Russian Government declining to keep prisoners in custody without trial, the case of Petroff will be considered; and whether this prisoner will be given the option to stand his trial or return to Russia?
§ Mr. BRACEI have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member s question on the 29th March.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Member aware that a report says the Council of Workmen and Soldiers of Russia has asked to-see this gentleman and has been refused, and will they not be allowed to see him?
§ Mr. BRACEIf my right hon. Friend has refused to grant permission, there is a very good reason for it.
§ 32. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary how many persons, not being enemy aliens, are at present in custody under Regulation 14b; how many under another 1947 Order or Regulation which enables persons to be continued in custody without being charged or tried; how many of these are British subjects; and how many are Russian subjects?
§ Mr. BRACEExcluding enemy aliens 125 persons are at present interned under Regulation 14b. Of these seventy-seven are British subjects and four are Russians. I do not know to what other Order or Regulation the hon. Member refers.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask if the Russian Government has taken any exception on this score?
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Russian Government is now making representations in this connection? Is he really unaware of it?