§ 19. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he, in the interests of national security, will consider the advisability of cancelling permits to reside in this country of members of the German secret police, the Gestapo, and other Nazi organisations?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)As has 2972 regard to the district described by my hon. Friend as "the rest of the Widnes area."
§ Following is the statement:
§ been previously stated, careful attention is given to the activities in this country of these organisations, with a view to appropriate action when such action is called for, and within recent weeks steps have been taken with a view to terminating the residence in this country of three persons connected with these organisations.
§ Mr. ManderMay I take it that the Home Secretary will continue to watch 2973 closely the activities of these persons and take such action as may be necessary from time to time?
§ Sir S. HoareYes, certainly.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs there any reason to believe that there are still members of the Gestapo residing in this country?
§ Sir S. HoareThat is a different question.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is the question on the Paper?
§ Mr. BellengerMay I ask in what capacity —
§ Mr. ShinwellMay I have an answer to my question?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member asks whether there are members of this organisation still residing in this country, and the question on the Paper is whether the Home Secretary will consider the advisability of cancelling permits?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt is impossible, I submit, to consider the question of cancelling permits unless these people do reside here. Can we have any information on that matter?
§ Sir S. HoareI have answered the question on the Paper with, I gathered, the general assent and approval of the House.
§ 23. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the case that was referred to him on Tuesday by the Thames Police Court stipendiary about the Gestapo agents and the Nazi factory owners; and what action he intends taking about the matter?
§ Sir S. HoareMy attention has been drawn to the case and I am calling for a report.
§ Mr. BellengerHave any of these Gestapo agents diplomatic immunity in this country?
§ Sir S. HoareThe answer is "no."
§ Mr. GallacherWill the right hon. hon. Gentleman be willing to close down the headquarters of the Gestapo in Belgrave Square?