HC Deb 02 November 1939 vol 352 cc2094-6
29. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary the present position with regard to the hearing of the cases of aliens by the tribunals appointed for the purpose; the numbers that have been dealt with; the numbers, respectively, in categories A, B and C; whether steps are being taken in the cases of those in B and C categories to avoid any indication on the passport that these persons are enemy aliens, but rather the victims of Nazi oppression; and to whom, or to what tribunal, appeals in connection with the cases already heard should be made?

Sir J. Anderson

The number of cases dealt with by the tribunals up to 28th October was 13,031. Of these 186 were interned, 9,656 were exempted from internment and from the special restrictions applicable to enemy aliens, and the remaining 3,189 were exempted from internment but not from the special restrictions. In any case where it has been decided to exempt an enemy alien from the special restrictions, steps have been taken, as I promised the hon. Member in my reply to a question of his on 21st September, to ensure that the term "enemy alien" does not appear on the registration certificate; and if the tribunal is satisfied that the alien is a genuine refugee the words "Refugee from Nazi oppression" are endorsed in the certificate. It is open to any alien interned by a tribunal to make representations to me; and, unless I am satisfied that there are no grounds for further consideration, the case is referred to the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Mander

Is the Home Secretary aware that there has been a good deal of variation in treatment by the large body of tribunals throughout the country, and will he take steps to see that there is a regular standard of treatment for all persons who come before those tribunals?

Sir J. Anderson

I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate that it is difficult, if not impossible, to ensure an absolute uniformity of standard; but very careful instructions were issued to the tribunals in the first instance and steps are being taken as far as possible by personal contact to ensure that the practice will conform to a reasonable standard.

Colonel Nathan

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to say whether representations which may be made to him with regard to those who are certified under B and C, and who feel, or of whom it is felt, they should be certified under A, will be available to the tribunals?

Sir J. Anderson

Any representations which are made to me will be considered. If they are made before the consideration by the tribunal takes place, they will be made available to the tribunal.

Colonel Nathan

Is the right hon. Gentleman cognisant of the fact that in his answer to the hon. Gentleman below the Gangway he refers to appeals in regard to representations by internees, and that my question applies also to people who are certified under B and C, and of whom it is felt they should be certified under A?

Sir J. Anderson

Certainly.

32. Mr. Erskine Hill

asked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct the tribunals to record how many of the male refugee citizens of military age who come before them desiring to be classified as friendly are willing to volunteer for military service; and whether this will be taken into account in determining the cases?

Sir J. Anderson

I think that any such instruction might well hinder rather than help the tribunals in their task of deciding which Germans and Austrians can properly be exempted from the special restrictions applicable to enemy aliens. I understand that many refugees are anxious to volunteer for military service, but the first step is for the tribunal to consider whether the alien can properly be relieved of the restrictions in question, and it is only after the tribunal has so decided that the military authorities are prepared to consider an application from the alien to be allowed to join the Forces.