HC Deb 31 October 1918 vol 110 cc1587-8
23. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to prevent the return to this country after the War of the aliens with their dependants who have been repatriated or deported during the present War, and also to prevent the entry of further undesirable aliens in the future?

Sir G. CAVE

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for the Hornsey Division on the 21st of this month.

28. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked whether the Atkin Committee on Naturalisation of Aliens has held any and, if so, how many sittings; and how many cases have already been considered, and with what result?

Sir G. CAVE

The Committee over which Mr. Justice Atkin presides have held eight sittings, and have had under consideration 128 cases referred to them under Section 3 of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1918. When the considertion of the cases under Section 3 is completed, I propose to ask the Committee for a Report upon them, and the Committee will, I understand, then proceed with the cases falling under Section 7.

29. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked how many cases have been considered by the Sankey Committee on Aliens; and of that number how many have been interned and how many have been repatriated?

Sir G. CAVE

The Committee over which Mr. Justice Sankey presides have held a large number of sittings, and have considered about 3,200 cases. Of these about 300 have been interned and about 220 recommended for repatriation. When the consideration of the cases is concluded, I propose to make public a full statement showing the reason for any exemptions granted.

30. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked how many cases have been dealt with by the Bankes Committee, and with what result.

Sir G. CAVE

I understand that the Committee have already dealt with a large number of cases. They will complete their review as quickly as possible, and present a Report to the Prime Minister.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Has any action yet been taken under this Committee in any of these cases in Government offices?

Sir G. CAVE

I cannot say without inquiry of all Departments, but the Committee will report to the Prime Minister—not to me.