HC Deb 01 May 1939 vol 346 cc1486-7
4. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister the name, nationality, and period of office of the German consul at Liverpool, and what connection exists between him and the German secret service in this country?

Mr. Butler

The German consul at Liverpool is Herr Walther Reinhardt, who received the King's exequatur on 25th October, 1937. I regret that I am unable to make any statement in reply to the second part of the question, as this matter is still sub judice.

Mr. Mander

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this consul has been charged with incriminating a British subject for the German secret service; and if this charge turns out to be true, will this consul be expelled forthwith?

Mr. Butler

I do not think it is usual to make statements when the question is sub judice.

Mr. Silverman

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by sub judice? Is the matter before the court?

Mr. Butler

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. Silverman

I am only asking what interpretation the right hon. Gentleman asks the House to put on the words sub judice in this connection?

Mr. Butler

If the hon. Gentleman puts down a question, I will give him a full and sufficient answer.

Mr. Attlee

Surely the right hon. Gentleman knows the difference between a matter which is sub judice and a matter which is under the consideration of the Government. Is this, as a matter of fact, before the courts, or merely before the Government?

Mr. Butler

I have not got the information with me, and that is why I ask that the question should be put down, so that I can give a proper answer.