HC Deb 08 July 1941 vol 373 c32
60. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made for recording evidence of broadcasts under enemy auspices by British subjects with a view to their prosecution as soon as they can be brought to justice?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)

Yes, Sir, such broadcasts are recorded and my right hon. Friend fully shares the view that all practicable steps should be taken for the collection of evidence which might be relevant to prosecutions in the future against any British subject who assists the enemy.

Colonel Arthur Evans

Will the Home Office consider the advisability of broadcasting an appeal, and indeed a warning, to British subjects resident in enemy countries against making any broadcasts which they might be inclined to indulge in as a result of bribery held out by the enemy, so that their position will be quite clear on their return to this country?

Mr. Peake

I will certainly pass that suggestion to the Ministry of Information, which is concerned with this matter.

Sir I. Albery

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that so few British subjects are liable to do this sort of thing that such a measure is quite unnecessary?

Earl Winterton

Will the Government make clear by an Order in Council that these people will be liable to prosecution, whoever they are, whether famous writers or anybody else?

Mr. Peake

I think the situation is already perfectly clear. Anybody who assists the enemy by broadcasting in their programmes is obviously liable to prosecution if sufficient evidence can be brought after the war, and it is for the purpose of collecting the evidence that we are taking the steps suggested in my hon. Friend's Question.