HC Deb 31 July 1919 vol 118 cc2257-9
23. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Home Secretary how many uninterned Germans still remain in this country, and whether he intends to deport any of these persons; and how many interned Germans are still in this country, and whether he intends to deport all these persons unless they obtain exemption from the Advisory Committee presided over by Mr. Justice Younger?

Mr. SHORTT

The figures asked for in the first paragraph of the question are, according to the latest Returns, 5,785 males and 5,965 females. These persons have all been exempted from repatriation on the advice of the Advisory Committees from 1915 onwards Until the Aliens Bill which is at present before the House has become law, I cannot say what my duty in the matter will be. There are 3,256 Germans still interned m this country. I propose to deport those who are not recommended for exemption by Mr. Justice Younger's Committee.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of those Germans who are uninterned now never came up for reconsideration in 1918 when the list was revised, and a largo number of those previously exempted were deported?

Mr. SHORTT

I said these cases had been considered from 1915 onwards.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Is it the policy of the Government to deport every German who was naturalised and whose naturalisation has since been cancelled?

Mr. SHORTT

Yes, generally speaking, that is so; but there may be special circumstances in some cases. I cannot bind myself in every case, but generally speaking that is the policy.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

If reasons exist for cancelling the naturalisation of a German, surely primâ facie that is ground for deporting?

Mr. SHORTT

I have said so.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Does that apply in the case of Catherine Hebnemann, of Downing Street?

Mr. SHORTT

No, Sir.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether an interned German, married to a British-born woman, will be released, and, if so, will they be released while the Aliens Restriction Bill is going through? [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] In order that they can see their families.

Mr. SHORTT

When Mr. Justice Younger's Committee have considered their cases, and they decide that they should not be repatriated, then their case will be considered.

Mr. J. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to deport all people in this country who are of German blood?

Mr. SHORTT

Certainly not.

24. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Advisory Committee presided over by Mr. Justice Sankey for advising the Home Secretary what enemy aliens should be exempted from internment adopted certain general rules on which exemption from internment should primâ faciebe granted, and that such rules were published in the public Press; whether the Advisory Committee presided over by Mr. Justice Younger for advising the Home Secretary what former enemy aliens should be exempted from deportation have adopted the like, or any similar, rules for their guidance; if not, whether they act according to their uncontrolled discretion in each particular case: whether the Home Secretary accepts the decisions without investigation or whether he personally considers them; and, if so, in what cases he has overruled them?

Mr. SHORTT

As regards the first throe paragraphs of this question, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. and learned Baronet last Thursday. As regards the last two questions, the responsibility for the final decision rests, with me, but unless very strong reasons appear to the contrary, I propose to be guided by the advice of the Committee which has been examining every case with the greatest care.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question, whether the is aware that the Advisory Committee presided over by Mr. Justice Sankey for advising the Home Secretary what enemy aliens should be exempted from internment adopted certain general rules on which exemption from internment should primâ facie be granted?

Mr. SHORTT

I have answered that. That was so, but I have not been asked what they were.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what they were?

Mr. SHORTT

I cannot do so without notice.