§ 68. Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that every proper step is being taken to ensure that the 74,000 aliens in Great Britain do not contain any who are a danger to the internal or external security of our country?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the case of every German and Austrian in this country has been reviewed by the local tribunals, and a further review of certain categories of aliens is at present being undertaken by Advisory Committees appointed for each Civil Defence Region. The onus is on every person of German or Austrian nationality to show cause why he should not be interned, and the policy is to intern any German or Austrian if there is doubt as to his attitude and disposition towards the Allied cause.
§ Sir T. MooreWhile thanking my hon. Friend for the information he has given, will he bear in mind that there is a considerable amount of public disquiet at the moment on this subject, especially in view of the revelations from Norway?
Miss RathboneIs it not a fact that the danger in Norway arose largely from Norwegians and not from aliens?
§ 69. Colonel Burtonasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the arrival of Germans in Norway they were received by a number of friendly members of the Nazi organisation; and whether he is satisfied that satisfactory arrangements exist to prevent any such occurrence in this country?
§ Mr. PeakeMembers of the Nazi organisations in this country were interned on the outbreak of war; and if my hon. and gallant Friend fears that amongst those who control our defences there may be persons who would facilitate the landing of a German expeditionary force, I can only say that my right hon. Friend does not share his apprehension.
§ Colonel BurtonWould it not be far better to intern all the lot, and then pick out the good ones?
§ Mr. ManderMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in his reply, he was referring to British members of Nazi organisations as well as refugees?
§ Mr. ThurtleWill the hon. Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend that the people of this country are very anxious that our war effort should not be hampered either by Quislings of the Right or Kuusinen of the Left?
§ Mr. PeakeThere is no evidence in our possession to show that Sir Oswald Mosley is a member of a Nazi organisation.
§ Mr. DaltonWhat is the British Union?
Mr. BraithwaiteWas not this gentleman Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in a Government of this country?