HC Deb 11 July 1940 vol 362 c1326
35. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are islands on the West Coast of Scotland owned by private individuals, and that, in the case of at least one island, one individual determines who may or may not land; and what steps he has taken to ensure that activities on these islands generally are supervised in the interests of national security and, in particular, that none of the islands are used by pro-Nazi sympathisers?

Sir J. Anderson

I am informed that the police keep these islands under supervision. They have had occasion to investigate certain recent reports but have satisfied themselves that there was no ground for any action.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these islands is owned and occupied by the father and the family of Miss Unity Mitford, relatives and former associates of Fascists, and that it is causing great perturbation in the North of Scotland that these people are entirely unsupervised and have entire control of the island?

Sir J. Anderson

Those people are not, as far as I know, resident on the island. I have information as to the persons who are there.

Mr. Neil Maclean

Is it not the case that the father of Miss Unity Mitford went to an island that he possesses off the West coast of Mull and is still resident there?

Sir J. Anderson

Miss Unity Mitford is not there.

Mr. Maclean

Her father, who was an associate of Fascists, is.

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