§ 12. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is able to state the present position with regard to the work of the tribunals dealing with aliens; the number which have been placed in the three different categories, and the number where appeals are still pending?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)Nearly all the tribunals have completed their work and over 70,000 cases, out of a total of 74,000 registered Germans and Austrians, have been examined. Internment orders have been made in 528 cases, and in some 8,000 cases the tribunals have decided not to grant exemption from the special restrictions applicable to enemy aliens. Large numbers of those interned and of those subjected to the special restrictions have made representations to the Home Office. As regards those interned each case is being considered, and cases of doubt are being referred to the advisory committee; but it is not at present possible to say how many cases will be so referred. As regards those subjected to the special restrictions, a scheme for a further review of such cases is being worked out, and my right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement in the near future.
§ Mr. ManderHow many cases of appeal or representation are now pending in either category?
§ Mr. PeakeIn regard to internment, the number is, I think, something over 300 at the present time.
§ Mr. Anstruther-GrayIn view of the fact that the enemy appear to know a great deal about what is going on in this country, is my hon. Friend satisfied that these tribunals have not been too lenient?
§ Mr. PeakeI think that my right hon. Friend is, on the whole, well satisfied with the work which these tribunals have been carrying out.
§ Mr. LeachWould the Minister agree that an appeal which has been in for 3½ months to the Appeals Tribunal and has not yet been considered is a little overdue; and would he be willing to look into such a case from Bradford if I gave it to him?