HC Deb 29 May 1940 vol 361 cc533-4
30. Captain Plugge

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give an assurance that every female alien domestic worker is known to the police; and whether he will consider making it a penal offence for an employer not to inform the police that he or she employs such a servant?

Mr. Peake

Every alien over the age of 16 is required to register with the police, and the occupier of any premises where an alien resides is required to satisfy himself that the alien has registered, and if not so satisfied to report to the police. Any failure therefore by an employer to see that the police have the requisite information is already an offence.

Viscountess Astor

Is it true that anybody born in an enemy country is an enemy alien?

Mr. Peake

That does not arise on this Question.

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

Is it not a fact that in certain rural areas in this country this Regulation does not seem to be known to the local police, and will my hon. Friend tighten the Regulation and make it more widespread?

Mr. Peake

The Regulation is certainly well known to the police, and I dare say that the effect of this Question and answer will be to make it better known to the general public.

Viscountess Astor

Will my hon. Friend be sure that it is known in the West Country, because at Plymouth, Devonport and so on, there are many domestic servants who are enemy aliens, and nobody has touched them?