48. Sir N. GRIFFITHSasked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the feeling in the country on the question of persons of alien origin; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to questions by the hon. Members for Brentford and Enfield respectively on Monday last, to which I have nothing to add.
Sir N. GRIFFITHSCan the right hon. Gentleman undertake that before any decision, which is now under consideration, is arrived at the heads of intelligence, both at the Admiralty and War Office, will be called? Is he aware that existing machinery would deal very adequately with this whole question?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe heads of both Departments have been in consultation on the subject.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government succeeded in saving the by-election at Clapham by stating that they were in favour of interning enemy aliens; and will the Government now say whether they propose to live up to their election promises for the first time in political history?