§ 20. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Home Secretary which members of advisory committees appointed under Regulation i8b have resigned to date?
§ Mr. PeakeThe Advisory Committee appointed, under the chairmanship of Mr. Norman Birkett, K.C., to hear objections by persons detained under Regulation i8b has now practically completed its work, and only a small number of cases remains to be heard. The opportunity has, therefore, been taken of reconstituting the Committee, which consisted of four separate Panels sitting practically continuously, as a smaller body which will meet as and when required to deal with such cases as arise. I will circulate the names of the present members of the Committee in the OFFICIAL REPORT. My right hon. Friend would like to take this opportunity of expressing his appreciation of the very valuable public service which this Committee has rendered, and his thanks, which he has already conveyed individually to those members whose continued assistance will, under the new arrangements, no longer be required.
§ Sir I. AlberyWhile thanking my hon. Friend for the information which he has given me, may I point out that he has not answered my Question? I asked him whether any members of these committees have themselves of their own volition tendered their resignation?
§ Mr. PeakeNo, Sir; as far as I am aware, no member has resigned from the Committee because he disagreed with the policy of that Committee. Some members have withdrawn because they found themselves unable to carry on the work required of them, but the body, which originally consisted altogether of some 22 members, now consists of nine.
§ Sir I. AlberyIs my hon. Friend unable to answer my Question? I asked what members of this Committee have resigned?
§ Mr. PeakeAs I have explained, the Committee has been reconstituted, and some of the former members are not now on it. I will certainly circulate in the Official Report the names of those members who have been serving on the Committee but who will no longer do so in future.