HC Deb 15 July 1918 vol 108 cc679-80
92 and 93. Mr. ROCH

asked the Home Secretary (1) if he will circulate, as soon as may be, a Parliamentary Paper indicating precisely the changes, other than legislative changes, and administrative methods to be adopted in dealing with aliens and persons not the sons of British-born subjects announced by him in his statement on Thursday last; and (2) if he can give the names of the members of the Committee which is to be appointed to consider the cases of persons in Government Departments who are not the sons of British-born subjects; if he can give the terms of reference to this Committee; and if he can say whether all persons occupying any position in any Government Department who are not the sons of British-born subjects will have to present themselves before this Committee and have their claims for exceptional treatment adjudicated on?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir George Cave)

I do not think it necessary to circulate a Parliamentary Paper as suggested. The proposals of the Government as to changes of name and identity books can be carried out by Orders in Council, which will be made at an early date. The proposals as to the review of exemptions, and as to the employment in Government offices of persons who are not British born, require the appointment of Committees, and I hope that it may be possible very shortly to make an announcement as to the constitution of these Committees. The order to wind up the enemy banks will, I understand, be made forthwith. The remaining proposals will require legislation, which will be introduced, and, I hope, passed before the Recess.

Mr. ROCH

May I ask whether any terms of reference will be given to either or both of these Committees?

Sir G. CAVE

Certainly.

Mr. SHER WELL

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell us explicitly what is meant by "persons occupied in Government offices"? Does it apply also to Ministers of the Crown?

Sir G. CAVE

The expression is easy to understand. I should certainly think it applies to Ministers.