§ 50. Sir R. COOPERasked the Prime Minister if he will call for a Report from the Naval Intelligence Department on the state of prohibited areas and the reason why so many persons of enemy origin still reside therein?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am informed that the competent naval and military authority has complete power under the Defence of the Realm Regulations to deal 425 with any person residing in a prohibited area and that this power is fully used by him.
§ Sir R. COOPERWould the right hon. Gentleman call for a confidential report for his own guidance, in order that he may understand why these authorities are unable properly to exercise the powers which they wish to exercise and may remedy the defect?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWhy does the hon. Member say that they are unable to exercise them? I know, although I was not present, that, as a matter of fact, the Prime Minister discussed this question some time ago with the naval and military authorities, and I have every reason to believe that both he and they were satisfied with the powers.
§ Sir R. COOPERIf I may, I will send to the right hon. Gentleman copies of confidential papers which will prove that there are people residing in prohibited areas whom the naval authorities would like to remove, and that so far they have not been able to do so.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI shall be very glad to receive them, but I am rather sceptical.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs it not a fact that the naval and military authorities can only make recommendations to the Home Office, and that it is for the Home Office to accept or reject their recommendations?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not know what the technical powers may be, but I know that both the naval and military authorities always exercise the authority.
§ Mr. FLAVINThey can only make recommendations; they have no authority.