HC Deb 19 July 1939 vol 350 cc384-5
38. Mr. J. Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Israel Sternheim, after being ordered to be detained under the Palestine Emergency Regulations for a year, as from 3rd July, 1937, was still under detention in December, 1938; that he was then ordered to be detained for a further 12 months; whether terms of detention under the Emergency Regulations, Section 156, which according to those Regulations are not to exceed one year, are in fact extended at the conclusion of the original period; and why emergency procedure is used against persons who, having been in custody for considerable periods, could without difficulty be brought before properly constituted courts of law?

Mr. M. MacDonald

As the answer is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Mr. Hall

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is a very unfair method to violate the regulations in the manner that has been done on this case?

Mr. MacDonald

If the hon. Member will study the answer, which I admit he has not had a chance of doing, because it is long, I think he will see that the regulations have not been violated.

Following is the answer:

Israel Sternheim was detained under No. 15 (b) of the Emergency Regulations from 2nd September, 1937, to 17th May, 1938, and again from 14th December, 1938, to 18th June, 1939. As regards the second part of the question, in a case where further detention is considered essential on the expiry of a person's period of detention, a further order under Regulation 15 (b) is made on his release. As regards the last part of the question, recourse to emergency procedure is only made in cases where no specific offence against the Criminal Law can be brought home to the person concerned, but where information in the possession of the authorities indicates that his activities, if he were free, would endanger the lives of other persons or be prejudicial to public security generally.

39. Mr. Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Meir Slonim, of Hedera in Palestine, after being detained for 12 months under the Emergency Regulations was, in or about August, 1938, ordered to be detained for a further six months under the Prevention of Crime Ordinance; that in or about February, 1939, he was still under detention and was ordered to be detained for a further 12 months either under the Emergency Regulations or under the Prevention of Crimes Ordinance; whether the application of the Prevention of Crimes Ordinance to persons already under detention is customary; and whether he approves of such application?

Mr. MacDonald

I am aware that Meir Slonim has been detained under the Emergency Regulations since 6th September, 1937, The Prevention of Crimes Ordinance has not been applied in this case nor in similar cases. This individual is known to have instigated the commission of acts of violence, and his continued detention is considered essential in the interests of public security.

Mr. Hall

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is right to ignore the regulations that govern the jurisprudence of the country? Does he not deprecate the method that has been employed?

Mr. MacDonald

The hon. Member will see that the method which he suggests has been employed has not been employed, and the method we have adopted is perfectly in conformity with the regulations under the Ordinance.