HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 cc1674-5
19. Mr. Hannah

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House any information about the work to be given internees in the Isle of Man?

Mr. Peake

In addition to the various forms of employment available in connection with the interior economy of the camps, internees in the Isle of Man can volunteer for work on farms, or on land reclamation, or other similar schemes for which labour is required in the Island. Some industries such as watch-repairing; toy-making, etc., are also carried on in the camps, and it is hoped to increase the number of these industries.

Mr. Hannah

Can anybody who is interned in the Isle of Man definitely be promised labour if he wants it?

Mr. Peake

I should hardly care to give that definite undertaking, but the Home Office have in the Island a full-time welfare officer, who is charged with the special duty of exploring every possibility for the employment of internees.

26. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that women interned in the Isle of Man are allowed to write two 24-line letters and a postcard weekly only to their husbands interned in Australia; and will he abolish these restrictions so that these people can maintain a closer contact until they are reunited?

Mr. Peake

The restrictions to which my right hon. Friend refers are those applying generally to internees, but the women interned in the Isle of Man are allowed in addition to send one air-mail letter a month to any relative in Australia. The Commandant has also discretion to permit extra letters in special circumstances, and letters in excess of 24 lines, if necessary for sending business information. I think it would be difficult to extend these privileges.

Mr. G. Strauss

Is air-mail correspondence also restricted normally to 24 lines?

Mr. Peake

Yes, Sir; except in special cases where it is desired to send business information.

Mr. Silverman

What is the object of the restrictions on correspondence between internees and people in this country?

Mr. Peake

It' is entirely due to the requirements of the postal service.

Mr. Silverman

What is the necessity for censorship of correspondence between internees detained in this country and correspondents in this country?

Mr. Peake

That is a matter which has often been discussed in the House, and I can only refer the hon. Member to my previous statements.

Mr. McGovern

How is it that internees in Australia are refused permission to write to Members of Parliament?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

That does not arise out of this Question.