§ 63. Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, as there is no power to intern persons under the Defence of the Realm Act unless in cases of actual invasion or of urgent military necessity arising out of the late War, he will state under what authority subjects are still interned?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)I have been asked to reply to this question. The authority for the internments to which the hon. Member refers is the sixth paragraph of Defence of the Realm Regulation 14B.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs it not the fact that the Act clearly lays it down that no person shall be interned except in case of invasion or urgent military necessity arising from the present War? If that be so, is the present detention of these men justified?
§ Mr. SHORTTThose are the provisions of the Defence of the Realm Act and under them these persons are detained. The Government are advised that the necessity for their detention still continues.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHThen the provisions of the Act are overridden by the Department's Regulations?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHUnder what plea then are these people detained?
§ Mr. DEVLINAre the Government to continue to be the chief law-breakers in this country?