HC Deb 21 March 1940 vol 358 cc2107-8
28. Mr. Keeling

asked the Home Secretary what proportion of enemy aliens in this country and France, respectively, are at present interned?

Sir J. Anderson

As I have stated on previous occasions, the majority of Germans and Austrians in this country are refugees from Nazi oppression. The latest figures show that some 74,000 persons of these nationalities are registered with the police. The total number of enemy aliens now interned in this country (including those removed from ships) is 1,959. I regret that I have no information about the position in France.

Mr. Keeling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in order to ascertain the position in France I put the Question to the Prime Minister, who passed it on to my right hon. Friend, and will he be good enough to make inquiries?

Sir J. Anderson

I will consult my right hon. Friend.

30. Mr. Keeling

asked the Home Secretary what proportion of the enemy aliens ordered by tribunals to be interned have been released; and of those released, how many are subject to restrictions, Class B, and how many are unrestricted, Class C?

Sir J. Anderson

Of the 572 enemy aliens interned on the recommendation of tribunals, 58 have been released subject to compliance with the special restrictions applicable to enemy aliens and 75 have been released without being required to comply with these special restrictions.

Mr. Keeling

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the chairmen of the tribunals are consulted before their decisions are upset?

Sir J. Anderson

Before a decision of the tribunal is reversed, the report of the tribunal is considered, but I would point out that the final responsibility in these matters rests with me, and I must exercise some discretion as to the inquiries I make before coming to a decision.

Miss Wilkinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that quite a considerable number of people have been interned who have given ample proof of their anti-Nazi opinions, and the fact that they are interned really represents political prejudice? Will he make a review of cases of this kind?

Sir J. Anderson

I really cannot accept the suggestion of the hon. Member. I am always prepared to consider any representations which may be made to me, and it is well known to aliens who have been interned that they have a right to make such representations. When necessary, I refer these representations to the Advisory Committee so that I may have the benefit of another opinion.

Miss Wilkinson

Do I understand that if I give the right hon. Gentleman cases and proof of the anti-Nazi views of men who have been interned, he will promise to give them his personal consideration?

Sir J. Anderson

I will certainly give them my personal consideration, but it must be remembered that proof of the anti-Nazi views of anyone may not be a sufficient reason to release them.