§ 27. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department particulars of the activities of the German secret police, the Gestapo, in England; and whether he is aware that Germans resident in London are continually watched and reported on to Berlin by this organisation?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)It would not be in the public interest to say more on this subject than that foreigners while resident in this country are entitled to the freedom which is enjoyed by all persons who are subject to the protection of our laws and the position is being closely watched by the responsible authorities.
§ Mr. ManderIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Gestapo put pressure on Germans in this country who desire to obtain naturalisation, and who in other ways do not toe the line, through their families in Germany, and will he take steps to put a stop to that kind of thing?
§ Sir S. HoareIf I have any evidence that unlawful acts are being committed, I will certainly take action.
§ Mr. ManderAre not the British police perfectly competent to look after all British subjects and foreigners in this country? Do we require any foreign assistance at all?
§ Sir S. HoareI would certainly say that the British police are amply competent to do that.
§ Sir P. HarrisIn any cases where there is any suspicion that Germans coming to this country are doing a piece of work for Germany in this country, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they leave the country at once?
§ Sir S. HoareI am watching the position very closely, and if I have reason to suppose that any unlawful acts are being committed, I will at once take action.
§ Mr. BellengerIn order to allay any uneasiness in the public mind, will the right hon. Gentleman give a categorical assurance that no agents of the German secret police are working in this country?
§ Sir S. HoareI have given the House full information in the answer and the supplementary answers which I have just given.