HC Deb 24 October 1940 vol 365 cc1122-3
14. Mr. Stokes

asked the Home Secretary how many of the 1,000 persons detained under Section 18B who had not had their cases heard by the advisory committee by 3rd October, had been detained at that date for more than three months?

Mr. H. Morrison

I cannot give my hon. Friend the precise information for which he asks without putting the several advisory committees to a good deal of trouble and causing delay which in present circumstances I am reluctant to impose upon them, but I am informed that there are now approximately 400 persons who have been detained for more than three months and whose cases are awaiting hearing by the committees.

15. Mr. Stokes

asked the Home Secretary how soon the 1,000 persons detained under Section 18B who had not had their cases heard by 3rd October will appear before the advisory committee; and whether he will consider allowing some of them out on parole, given suitable guarantees meanwhile?

Mr. Morrison

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 17th October. I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt the suggestion in the second part of the Question.

Mr. Stokes

From the rate at which these investigations are now being held, how soon does the right hon. Gentleman expect these 400 persons to have their cases heard?

Mr. Morrison

I cannot say. The administration is working, in this respect, much more rapidly, and I hope there will be no undue delay.

Mr. Wedgwood

How many of the thousands of Fascists have now been released?

Mr. Morrison

I could not say without notice.

32. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement about Philip Paneth, a Czech subject, in Walton prison, Liverpool, stating for what reason he is imprisoned; whether Czech governmental authorities have asked for his release; and whether there is any prospect of his being released?

Mr. Morrison

This gentleman is detained in pursuance of Article 12 (5A) of the Aliens Order. The necessary inquiries are not yet completed, but I will communicate my decision to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.