§ 30. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Homo Secretary what was the further evidence upon which the finding of the Advisory Committee recommending Glockler's internment was overruled; whether the deciison was that of the late Home Secretary personally or of one of his subordinates; and whether he will make inquiries as to the existence of a letter from a lady patient forwarded to a Home Office official by an official in 18 another Government Department regarding the case and asking that he should not be interned?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir George Cave)The case was reviewed in August, 1915, on fresh evidence of Glockler's character and conduct. I am unable at this distance of time to ascertain whether the direction to exempt him from internment was given by the Home Secretary personally, but a Minister is responsible for all decisions issuing from his Department whether given by him or under his general authority. I am informed that no letter from a lady patient was forwarded by any official of another Department, but a letter of recommendation which appears to be signed by a lady patient was attached by the alien to his original application for exemption.
§ 31 Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Home Secretary who were the sureties for Glockler, the German dentist, and for what amount and upon what conditions were they bound; and whether he has evidence that during his exemption Glockler contravened the Defence of the Realm Regulations in more than one particular?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe sureties were Mr. J. F. Duthie and Mr. Stephen Matthews. They signed separate bonds in the sum of £250 each. The bonds were in the usual form, the undertaking being that the alien enemy shall keep the peace and be of good behaviour towards H.M. the King and all his subjects, and shall comply in all respects with the provisions of the Aliens Restriction Act and Orders. The sureties further undertake to produce the man within twenty-four hours on demand by any constable. I am informed by the police that Glockler is not known to have committed any offence during the period of his exemption.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSHas the right hon. Gentleman or the police got evidence that during that period he was communicating with America with uncensored letters folded in a newspaper?
§ Sir G. CAVENo, I do not know that that came to the notice of the police.
§ Sir G. CAVEI do not think it right that I should give my reasons.
§ 32. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Home Secretary whether how many enemy subjects have been interned during his term of office and will he publish a list of such persons?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe number up to 22nd March was fifty-one. The names are of no general interest, and I hardly think it necessary to publish them; but if my hon. and learned Friend cares to see them, I shall be happy to show them to him.
§ 33. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Home Secretary whether he will give the public access to the list of registered enemy aliens kept at the Home Office?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe registers of enemy aliens are kept by the police under the Aliens Restriction Order. The rule with regard to them is that the information which they contain is prima facie to be regarded as confidential, and is to be disclosed to inquirers only on adequate reason being shown.
§ Mr. BUTCHERIs there any reason why the public should not know the names of these registered enemy aliens?
§ Sir G. CAVEIt is thought very desirable to get all the names registered and all possible information, and it was decided some months ago to treat the information as prima facie confidential.
§ Mr. BUTCHERCould the right hon. Gentleman say why this information is treated as confidential?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have just given the reasons.