HC Deb 20 March 1918 vol 104 cc952-3
5. Mr. RONALD McNEILL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has yet investigated, and with what result, the allegation that there are German spies in all the Bristol Channel ports; whether he is aware that at Liverpool practically no restrictions are imposed on strangers entering the docks; whether the same laxity prevails at all mercantile docks; and whether it is proposed to continue this neglect of precaution, to which the public attribute responsibility for a large proportion of losses by enemy submarines?

Dr. MACNAMARA

From the information in the possession of the various Intelligence Departments responsible, there is no evidence to show that there are German spies in the Bristol Channel ports. The regulation of access to docks, whether at Liverpool or elsewhere, is in the hands of the competent naval and military authorities and the local police. These measures of restriction on aliens and strangers are, and have been, carried out in every possible way.

Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Is it not a fact that officers who have been found unfit to carry out their duties in the Air Service have been transferred to the Intelligence Department?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I do not think so.

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the matter?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I presume there may be officers who are suffering from some physical defect, but the suggestion that they are put into the Intelligence Department because they are incapable of doing the work of the Air Service is not well founded.

Sir F. HALL

If the right hon. Gentleman will make inquiries, he will find that the officers referred to were not transferred on account of any disability, but because they were not able to carry out the duties required of them in the Air Service?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I will inquire.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Have the Admiralty yet approached the Government with a view to requesting them to remove enemy aliens from these districts, and are they now under police surveillance?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The hon. Member had better read the answer which I gave on the 11th of March and that given by the Home Secretary on the 7th of March.