§ 3. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Secretary of State for War what steps have yet been taken to separate into different internment camps those aliens who are likely to suffer from the Hitler régime from those who approve of it and to ease the conditions of the former by allowing them to work and to have their wives and children with them?
§ Mr. EdenSteps which were being taken to effect separation were interrupted by the recent further intakes of internees, but will be resumed as soon as practicable. As regards the second part of the Question, I regret that it is also impossible to pursue these matters until more settled conditions as regards internment have been attained.
§ Colonel WedgwoodDoes that mean that no steps can be taken at present to get the wives with their husbands?
§ Mr. EdenWe have had a large number of internees to deal with, and as soon as that position is reasonably sorted out I hope to deal with this question.
§ Mr. LeachIs it the intention of the War Office to fall in with the suggestion in the last part of the Question and allow friendly aliens who are interned to be with their families?
§ Mr. EdenI tried to answer that. We have begun work on it, but we have had to take in a large number of internees, and as soon as the position is sorted out I hope to be able to do that.
§ 21. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now permit controlled wireless and the circulation of newspapers or a news bulletin in internment camps, whether he is recruiting volunteers for the Pioneer Corps from internees and whether he will allow suitable internees to be recruited for group agricultural labour under suitable supervision?
§ Mr. EdenSelected programmes are broadcast under the control of the camp commandants, and it is proposed to arrange shortly for news bulletins to be posted. The matters referred to in the second and third parts of the Question are under consideration, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. SorensenWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, which I am sure will bring a great deal of benefit to these internees, may I ask whether he appreciates that a number of the men interned have been well-known fighters against Nazism and are anxious to serve us?
§ Mr. EdenI appreciate the complexities of the situation, and I am sure that the hon. Member does so too.
§ Mr. Garro JonesDoes the right hon. Gentleman also appreciate that the need for the services of these internees can never be greater than it is at the present time, especially in connection with the harvest, and will a decision be reached in time for that?