§ 24. Sir R. COOPERasked the Undersecretary of State for War if the Intelligence Department of the War Office is frequently prevented from taking action against enemy aliens and suspected spies by pressure or instructions from the Home Office?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAs regards enemy aliens, I would explain that the War Office has no executive powers for taking action against any person on grounds of enemy nationality or on any ground of nationality alone. Subject to this, the answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the negative.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs it the fact that the Intelligence Department of the War Office has perfect freedom, without reference to the other Departments, to take action against a suspected person?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThat raises a very difficult question.
§ Captain DOUGLAS HALLHave they means of dealing with enemy aliens?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThat is a question for the Home Office.
§ 28. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mr. Malivanski, who, after having four times told the police his new residence, was summoned for not having registered it and sentenced to three months' hard labour, was suffering from advanced phthisis and other disorders, was so ill on admission to prison that he could not sweep his cell, lost 2 stone in prison, and was taken to Newcastle for deportation in handcuffs and chained to a gang of others, though in a state of extreme weakness; on what date was the deportation order in this case 879 signed; whether it is customary to chain sick persons ordered for deportation in gangs of six when on the train in charge of warders; what State Regulation or Order authorises such treatment; and on what date was Mr. Malivanski deported?
§ Mr. BRACENone of the facts are correctly stated by the hon. Member. Malivanski changed his residence without notifying the police of his intention to do so, as required by the Aliens Restriction Order, and it was only as a result of prolonged inquiry by the police that nearly three weeks later he was traced and attended at the police station. He appealed against his conviction, and his appeal was dismissed.
The report of the medical officer at Pentonville Prison shows that he was in fair health on admission, and that, though suffering from tuberculosis, he was not in need of hospital treatment. He lost only 3 lbs. in prison, not 2 st., and was not in a state of extreme weakness when taken to Newcastle. In accordance with the usual practice, he and the other prisoners travelling with him were fastened together with a light chain. The expulsion order made in the case was signed on the 25th May, but, as it proved impracticable to send him to Russia within a reasonable time of the end of his sentence, he was released some weeks ago.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not the fact—disregarding other matters—that this man was not deported because the Home Office were afraid that they could not get him alive on board ship, and that now he is in hospital?