§ 39. Colonel STAVELEY-HILLasked the Home Secretary whether an un-naturalised enemy alien, Helwig Batburg, is still employed as matron at the cottage hospital at Devizes, to the exclusion of capable British women; and, if so, when is it proposed to intern this person?
§ Sir G. CAVEI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to him on the 19th June by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary, to which I would only add that women are not interned in this country as prisoners of war, and that this woman's exemption from repatriation will come within the general review of exemptions which I announced on the 11th instant.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEIs it not the fact that the secretary to Major Edwardes, who was an Austrian lady, is now interned in this country as an enemy alien, and that she was arrested at Limerick Junction?
§ Sir G. CAVEIf so, Sir, there must have been a special reference in her case: she was interned under Regulation 14B.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that people like this ought to be allowed to hold various positions which might be important?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat is a matter for the committee of the hospital.