§ 51. Mr. Stokesasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Arnold Leese has been on hunger strike in detention since 4th March as a protest against wrongful detention; and whether he will say for what reasons his detention is being continued?
§ Mr. PeakeYes, Sir. As regards the second part of the Question, Mr. Leese is being detained in pursuance of an order made under Defence Regulation 18B because my right hon. Friend is satisfied that it is necessary to exercise control over him.
§ Mr. StokesWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that Mr.Leese is not being detained on account of his well-known anti-Freemason and anti-Semitic views?
§ Mr. PeakeI do not think it would be proper for me to state the reasons for this man's detention, other than that they come under Defence Regulation I8B, but I may add that this man has not exercised his right of appeal to the Advisory Committee.