40. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Home Secretary what is the number of alien enemies at present interned in this country; have any and, if so, what number been released since 11th November, 1918; how many have been repatriated since that date; and what arrangements are being made for dealing with those still interned?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe number of alien enemies at present interned is about 5,000. The number released since the Armistice is forty-one, and upon this point I beg to refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for the Elland Division of Yorkshire on the 11th March. The number repatriated from the internment camps since the Armistice is 20,586. As regards the last part of the question, repatriation is still in progress, and will be applied to all except those whose claims to stay here are allowed for exceptional reasons by a tribunal to be appointed for the purpose.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the nature of the tribunal and when it is to be established?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe tribunal will have at its head a learned judge of the High Court, and it will be constituted pretty much as it was before the Dissolution.
Sir F. HALLIs it to be understood that practically the whole of these enemy, aliens will be repatriated?
§ Mr. SHORTTI cannot prejudge the findings of the Committee.
§ Mr. SHORTTThe intention of the Government will be to follow the advice which the Committee gives them.