HC Deb 28 September 1939 vol 351 cc1483-4

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Wing-Commander JAMES:

55. To ask the Home Secretary whether, in view of the co-operation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with the German Government in attacking Poland, a close watch will henceforth be kept upon their agents and activities in this country; and whether he will assure the House that in this respect, no differentiation will be made between Russians and Germans?

Mr. Cocks

On a point of Order. May I suggest to you, Mr. Speaker, that, in the national interest, you should not call this question?

Mr. Speaker

Wing-Commander James.

Wing-Commander James

I beg to ask Question 55.

Sir J. Anderson

Careful watch is kept on all activities which may be prejudicial to the public safety regardless of the nationality of the persons engaged in those activities; and my hon. and gallant Friend can be assured that the attention given to persons of enemy nationality does not entail neglect of the activities of other persons.

Wing-Commander James

Will my right hon. Friend make a start with the "Daily Worker" and those persons associated with it, in this House and outside?

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Will the right hon. Gentleman also keep an eye on the activities of those people who up to the outbreak of war, were friends of strengthening relations with Germany?

67. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. J. J. Kopp, who was arrested as an alien and who has not been allowed to communicate with his secretary or to have his whereabouts revealed; and whether he will appoint a committee, including Members of Parliament drawn from all sides of the House, to which cases of this nature can be submitted for prompt decision?

Sir J. Anderson

As already announced, a committee of which Sir Walter Monckton is chairman, has been appointed to review cases of persons who have been interned for reasons of public security, and I propose to refer to this committee for their advice cases of enemy aliens who have been so interned unless I am satisfied that no further consideration of the case is necessary. In the particular case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, I understand that the alien's whereabouts have been made known to his solicitor, but I am making further inquiries into the circumstances of his arrest.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he was very badly treated, and will he say that he did treat him badly? I hope he will be better treated in future.

Sir J. Anderson

I have made no admission. What I have said is that I will look into the circumstances, and if I think there is any reasonable ground of complaint after inquiry, I shall not hesitate to say so.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Can my right hon. Friend deny that the solicitor was not communicated with?

Sir J. Anderson

I believe there was some delay, and that is one of the points that I am looking into.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Then he is admitting it.