§ 52. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the increasing number of aliens, many of whom are of enemy origin, who are gradually acquiring, owing to the operations of the Military Service Act, small businesses in this country, whether he is aware of the desire of the British people to refrain from effecting purchases at these establishments; and whether, under these circumstances, he is prepared to give the necessary instructions to provide that all aliens of enemy extraction or otherwise 1636 shall place in a conspicuous position on their shop fronts the true name and nationality of the proprietor or proprietors of the establishment before naturalisation if naturalised?
§ Sir G. CAVEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have no doubt that there are cases of the nature referred to in the first part of the question, and I shall be glad if the lion. Member will furnish me with information as to any particular cases which have come to his knowledge. I have no power to issue the instruction which the hon. Member suggests, but I would refer him to Regulation 8AA of the Defence of the. Realm Regulations and to the Order made by the Director-General of National Service there under and to Section 18 of the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he can take power to see that aliens, especially those of enemy origin, are obliged to put their nationality over the door of their shops?
§ Sir G. CAVEI do not think we have power to do that.