59. Mr. David Adamsasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that I. David Ketter, a Jewish barrister-at-law and native of Palestine, was on 15th December, 1938, sentenced to 10 days' imprisonment and deportation; that he unsuccessfully appealed against this judgment, and was returned to prison to complete the remainder of his sentence and is still detained in Brixton prison; why this man is still under detention; and what decision, if any, has been taken regarding him?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is aware of the facts concerning Isaac David Ketter. After his application to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal against his conviction was dismissed, a further delay in carrying out his deportation was caused by an application whch he made for permission to take his case to the House of Lords, and at a later date by the necessity for consulting another Department on a question raised by a sympathiser. These matters having now been disposed of, the Deportation Order which has been made against him will now be enforced, and the police have made arrangements for him to sail for Palestine on Saturday, 13th May.
Mr. AdamsIs it not a fact that this man has been forgotten in Brixton Prison, and that the authorities have been acting in the belief that he was detained there pending appeal?
§ Mr. PeakeNo, Sir. That is not so. My right hon. Friend has power under the Aliens Order to detain aliens recommended for deportation. This man has 682 not been overlooked. The delay is entirely due to the efforts which he himself has been making to avoid deportation.
Mr. AdamsIs it not a fact that this man has been illegally detained in prison for five months after his original sentence of 10 days' imprisonment?