§ 68. Mr. G. Straussasked the Home Secretary whether Kurt Joos has yet appeared before an Advisory Committee; and, if so, whether his release from internment has been authorised?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)The release of Kurt Joos from internment was authorised on 31st October.
§ 69. Mr. Straussasked the Home Secretary whether a decision in principle has yet been reached as to the establishment of mixed camps for internees?
§ Mr. PeakeUntil it is known how much accommodation is likely to be available as a result of the release of women at present interned, and the approximate number of couples who will remain interned, it is impossible to make definite plans for a camp for married internees.
§ Mr. StraussI did not ask whether any definite plans had been considered but whether the decision had been taken in principle to establish mixed camps for these internees?
§ Mr. PeakeMy experience has led me to the conclusion that it is not a good thing to decide something in principle unless you are in a position to put it into practice.
§ Mr. StraussMay I ask the Minister, as this subject has been under consideration for many months past, whether it is the intention of the Government to set up mixed camps as soon as possible and as soon as conditions permit?
§ Mr. PeakeAs has been stated before, we intend in the future to establish mixed camps for internees, but at the present moment the great majority of male internees have the opportunity of volunteering for the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, and we should like them to make up their minds before we definitely announce the establishment of mixed camps.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerDoes not the original answer made by the Under-Secretary mean that there will be a delay of a considerable number of months before any family camps will be set up, and that many of these married people; who are quite unable to join the A.M.P.C. and have been interned for six months, will suffer great hardship?
§ Mr. BevanDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that any three Members of Parliament could do the job of the Home Office in this respect far better in a week than they have done it in six months?
§ 70. Major Milnerasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that notwithstanding the release of aliens on medical grounds and hence the necessity for continued care and attention their wives continue to be interned; whether he will state the Home Office policy in this matter; whether the advice of the camp medical officer is taken as to the necessity for such nursing; and whether such advice is acted upon?
§ Mr. PeakeAs I informed the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Silverman) on 18th September last when it is decided to release a married man from internment it is the practice to consider the question of releasing his wife if she also is interned, but as the women who are interned are all in either Category A or B there are in many instances objections on security grounds to their release. Not all the married men released on medical grounds need nursing, but any 1589 representations made by the camp medical officers would, of course, receive careful and sympathetic consideration.
§ Major MilnerHaving regard to the rules of conduct laid down by the hon. Gentleman, how is it there is such intolerable delay in giving a decision one way or the other in these cases?
§ Mr. PeakeIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will bring to my notice any particular cases he has in mind, I will certainly deal with them.
§ Major MilnerIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that I have brought any number of these cases to his mind and that in only rare instances has any action been taken?