HC Deb 06 June 1940 vol 361 cc993-4
Mr. Maxton

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether the hon. and gallant Member for South Midlothian and Peebles (Captain Ramsay) has exercised his right to appeal to the Advisory Committee against his internment, whether his appeal has been heard and whether a report will be made to the House on the proceedings?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir. The hon. and gallant Member has exercised his right to make objections to the Advisory Committee under Regulation 18B of the Defence Regulations; and the Committee will consider the case as soon as possible. As soon as I have received and considered the Committee's report, I shall of course inform the House of my decision; and I will at the same time consider very carefully how far I could inform the House of the grounds for my decision without prejudicing the interests of national security.

Mr. McGovern

As the Member in question introduced in this House a Bill to intern and imprison aliens, and as the Home Secretary voted for that Bill, will he make sure that the Member is not treated as harshly as he proposed to treat aliens in this country?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not propose to make distinctions on any grounds in the treatment of persons in respect of whom it is necessary to make orders under the Regulation.

Mr. Maxton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he must make some distinction with reference to the responsibilities and privileges of this House?

Sir J. Anderson

That is entirely a different matter.

Mr. G. Strauss

If the right hon. Gentleman finds it difficult to make the report of the tribunal available to the House as a whole, would he not at least make that report available to the Committee of Privileges of this House?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not think that that arises out of this Question.