§ 18. Mr. Stokesasked the Home Secretary how many of the 300 odd recommendations from the Advisory Committee as a result of appeals from persons detained under Regulation 18B which were still without decision on 29th January had been in his hands more than one, three and five months, respectively?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe numbers are 196, 12 and none respectively.
§ 19. Mr. Stokesasked the Home Secretary whether recommendations regarding detainees under Regulation 18B come direct to his Department from the Advisory Committee?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir.
§ Mr. StokesAre we to understand that these recommendations do not go across to the Military Intelligence Department at all, but are dealt with entirely by the Home Office?
§ Mr. MorrisonOpportunity is given for observation by the appropriate Department concerned with security, and I think it is essential that that should be done.
§ Mr. StokesCan my right hon. Friend assure us that there is no undue delay by the Department?
§ Mr. MorrisonWe may differ about what is undue delay sometimes, but I can assure my hon. Friend that I keep a very careful watch. If and when I come across undue delay, there is a suitable row about it.
Captain ShawCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, if these people send in fresh evidence, he himself considers it?
§ Mr. MorrisonI hardy consider it direct. I think that if they sent in fresh material, the Advisory Committee would in all likelihood hear the case again.
§ Sir Irving AlberyDoes not the present procedure seem to show some lack of confidence in the Advisory Committee?
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not follow the hon. Member's point. I have made it abundantly clear that I have great confidence in the Advisory Committee. It the hon. Member means that the Security Services should not have any iocus in the matter, and that if they do it is a reflection on the Advisory Committee, I cannot agree with him. It is absolutely essential that the Security Services should have an opportunity of making observations.