§ 57. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain British citizens have recently visited Continental capitals with the avowed object of preventing the export of coal to Great Britain which is urgently needed for essential services for the maintenance of the industries of the country; and whether, having regard to the fact that the Emergency Regulations expressly prohibit any person from doing anything calculated to impede or restrict 1683 the supply of fuel to British nationals, he will inform the House what action is being taken in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir W. Joynson-Hicks)Yes, Sir; but the Emergency Regulations do not apply abroad and no action is being taken.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDo not the Emergency Regulations apply to British citizens who endeavour to injure their country and cause unemployment, by actions abroad; when they return home has not the right hon. Gentleman power to deal with them?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have been advised that the Emergency Regulations do not apply to British citizens in respect of actions committed abroad.
§ Mr. T. SHAWMight I suggest to Members of the Cabinet that they should advise the British people to buy British goods and not German coal?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIf a man engages in treason against the State abroad, can he be prosecuted when he comes here?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI must ask for notice of that question. In any case, the hon. and learned Gentleman knows that treason is a particular and different offence.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider framing a Regulation to deal with these cases when the Emergency Regulations are brought forward again?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will consider it, but I must be guided by my legal advisers.