§ 43. Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Shipping whether he has any statement to make about the loss of the "Arandora Star"; whether the ship was convoyed and had ample lifeboat provision; how many of the Germans on board were known to be Nazis and how many came to this country as refugees; when will he 1075 be able to provide the friends and relatives in England with the names of the persons drowned; and whether it is proposed to send internees abroad without convoy?
§ 44. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Shipping whether he will make a statement respecting the loss of the "Arandora Star"; whether the enemy aliens on board or lost included those who had received B or C certificates or were recognised as friendly aliens or enemies from Nazi oppression; whether those in these categories were compelled to sail; whether the available next of kin both of the British crew and the internees who were lost have now been informed; whether, in the event of large numbers of hostile Nazi or Fascist prisoners or internees being transported, he will see that any minority British crew is afforded the protection they deem necessary; and whether he will keep distinct and separate enemy aliens of pro- and anti-Nazi and Fascist sympathies?
§ Mr. CrossIn accordance with the usual practice in respect of fast ships, the "Arandora Star" was not convoyed. Lifeboats and life-rafts more than sufficient to accommodate all passengers and crew were provided. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that all the Germans on board were Nazi sympathisers and that none came to this country as refugees. None had Category B or C certificates or were recognised as friendly aliens. The Protecting Powers have been given lists of the missing passengers, in order that the next of kin may be informed. The owners have already taken steps to inform the next of kin of the crew who were lost. I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that adequate military guard was provided in the case of the "Arandora Star" and will be provided in future in other ships similarly used. Every endeavour will be made to separate enemy aliens of Nazi and Fascist sympathies from those of anti-Nazi and anti-Fascist sympathies. The Admiralty apply to these vessels the same rules as regards escort as to other British ships carrying passengers, that is, the faster ones proceed independently and the slower ones in convoy.
§ Mr. SorensenMight I ask whether, if any other friendly aliens, or those with 1076 B and C certificates are sent away, their relatives will be informed?
§ Sir Henry Morris-JonesIs the Minister aware of the feeling in the country that the lives of British sailors should not be sacrificed to save the skins of enemy aliens?
§ Mr. LoganAs we have had a loss of lives in Liverpool, I would like to ask, having seen this boat go out of the Mersey with troops on board, why lifebelts were given by officers to some refugees while the officers themselves were without life-belts?