§ 40 and 44. Sir JOSEPH WALTONasked the Home Secretary (1) whether Adolph Sgonina, of Cardiff, manager of the Flottman Engineering Company, Limited, an unaturalised enemy alien, was exempted from internment at the request of certain officials of the Ministry of Munitions; if so, what are their names and the grounds on which the application was made; whether Adolph Sgonina was permitted to retain possession of a considerable sum of money; and, if so, can he state the amount; and (2) whether Adolph Sgonina, an unnaturalised alien enemy, and his two sons, Adolph and Charles Sgonina, both of military age, are in residence in Holly Bush Road, Cardiff, in a house overlooking a large stretch of the Bristol Channel, from whence it would be the simplest possible matter to carry on signalling, even as far as the English and Welsh Grounds Lightship, from whence a German has just been expelled at the instigation of the Seamen's Federation; and whether he will take immediate steps to have these men interned?
§ Sir G. CAVEThis man was exempted from internment in 1915, in view of official representations from the Ministry of Munitions to the effect that his services were indispensable for the supply of certain special instruments or tools required in connection with the production of munitions. These representations were made with the personal approval of the 237 Minister. I am informed that he does not reside in Allansbank Road, as stated, and that, while it may be possible to see the Bristol Channel from his house, it is not the case that it overlooks a large stretch of the Channel. One son who is of military age is, like his father, engaged on munitions work. There are two other sons under eighteen. I have no information as to the money in his possession. The exemptions granted to this man and his family will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee.
§ Sir J. WALTONIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this enemy alien is superintending the manufacture of gauges upon the absolute accuracy of which depends the accuracy of guns and shells, and is he of the opinion that such a person ought to occupy a position of the sort?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat may be true, but this man was allowed to do the work two years ago at the urgent request of the Ministry of Munitions, and it will be for the Minister to justify his retention when the case goes before the Committee.
§ Mr. S. MacNEILLIn view of cases like this, may I ask whether German is the common language at the Ministry of Munitions?
§ 41. Sir J. WALTONasked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to reconsider the question of continuing the exemption from internment of the five un-naturalised enemy aliens employed as managers in controlled works of the Ministry of Munitions?
§ Sir G. CAVEThese eases will be reconsidered by the Advisory Committee at once.