HC Deb 30 January 1941 vol 368 cc663-5
60. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary the position with regard to the presence in the same internment camp at Huyton, of Nazis and anti-Nazis, Fascists and anti-Fascists; and whether steps are being taken to isolate them from each other?

Mr. H. Morrison

The only recent change with regard to this camp has been the arrival of 204 internees brought back from Canada for consideration of their cases with a view to release. These are being accommodated temporarily in a part of the camp quite separate from that in which Nazis or pro-Germans are interned. There are also five Italians temporarily in the camp, four of whom are in hospital.

Mr. Mander

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been a good deal of pressure and intimidation by Nazis against anti-Nazis and that the Nazis are in a great majority? Would he make inquiries with a view to putting an end to such a disgraceful state of affairs?

Mr. Morrison

I find it very difficult to follow my hon. Friend's argument that there is a large Nazi majority. We do in fact seek to keep them separate. I hope the anti-Nazis will be strong enough not to be intimidated and not conduct themselves as if they were afraid of the Nazis.

Mr. Sorensen

Does my right hon. Friend know whether the four Italians in hospital are pro-Fascist or anti-Fascist?

Mr. Morrison

I could not say.

64. Mr. Silverman

asked the Home Secretary to what extent female internees in the Isle of Man are being released from internment on signing a declaration that they are willing to return to Germany as and when opportunity offers in exchange for British citizens there interned; and why persons who have in that way declared their German sympathies are released while genuine refugees from Nazi oppression, who will never willingly return to their oppressors, are still detained?

Mr. Morrison

I think that my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. No internees are being or would be released with a view to repatriation to Germany at some future date. If there were a possibility of repatriating any internees who desired to return to Germany and there were no security objections to their repatriation they would be taken under escort direct from the internment camp to the ship.

Mr. Silverman

Do I understand from my right hon. Friend's reply that no women have been released from the Isle of Man on signing such a declaration as is referred to in my Question?

Mr. Morrison

That is my information but if my hon. Friend has any information to the contrary I will gladly look into it.