HC Deb 26 June 1918 vol 107 cc1034-5
23. Mr. A. RICHARDSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many naturalised British subjects of German birth who were interned in Germany and Holland have been brought back to this country; whether German civilian prisoners interned here were given to Germany in exchange for them; and whether the Government will undertake that no more British subjects of German origin shall be imported into this country, either by way of exchange or otherwise, during the War?

Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)

In regard to the first part of the question, I am afraid it is impossible to give accurate figures without greater labour than could have been given to it since the question has been put down. I understand, however, that the number is between twenty and thirty. The second part of the question rests on a misapprehension. There is no exchange of prisoner for prisoner, but certain classes of prisoners both in England and Germany are entitled to repatriation or transfer to a neutral country on certain specified grounds. The matter raised in the third part of the question must await the return of the Home Secretary, whose attention I have directed to the point.

Mr. BILLING

Are we to understand that this country is accepting back into this country enemy-born subjects, naturalised Britons, in exchange for Germans?

Sir C. HENRY

What does the hon. Gentleman mean by "certain classes of prisoners"?

Mr. HOPE

For instance, civilians over forty-five and prisoners suffering from certain medical disabilities, and so on.

Sir C. HENRY

No special preference is given to prisoners as regards social status?

Mr. HOPE

Oh, no. Selection in these cases is made on the other side, either on medical grounds or according to certain categories.

Mr. BILLING

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to my question, as to whether enemy-born subjects who are naturalised Britons are accepted in exchange for German subjects?

Mr. HOPE

That is covered by the second part of my answer. There is no exchange of prisoner for prisoner.