§ 26. Mr. KINGasked how many women of enemy alien nationality are interned; and whether any of them are employed on work of national importance?
§ Sir G. CAVESeven women of enemy nationality have been interned under Defence of the Realm Regulation 14 b. All except one do work of public utility.
§ 27. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state what useful work is being attempted by the 29,000 civilian interned aliens; whether he is aware that early in the War many of these offered to do work of national importance but were refused, and that later on being asked to volunteer to do such work they have declined, largely owing to the menaces offered to them; and whether he will consider giving to those interned aliens who are of good will, and especially to those who have married British women and have sons in the Army, such offers of pay and protection as will encourage them to do useful work in the national crisis?
Sir G. GAVEI am informed that about 5,000 civilian interned aliens are employed on useful work in the camps and about 2,000 have been placed out on licence for agricultural and other work outside. The number of men so employed is steadily increasing, and every effort is made to get 602 the men employed. The total number of the interned is also being reduced by repatriation in accordance with the agreements which have been reached on that point.