HC Deb 12 March 1941 vol 369 cc1261-2
15. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give any information as to the number of interned refugees from Nazi oppression who are in the Colonies; whether discrimination is made between them and Nazi sympathisers; whether they have the right of application for release similar to that established in this country; and whether he is satisfied with the conditions and circumstances of internment?

Mr. George Hall

The approximate number of German nationals at present interned in the Colonies who claim to possess anti-Nazi sympathies, so far as it can be ascertained from the information available in the Colonial Office, is 340. With regard to the question of discrimination betwen anti-Nazi refugees and Nazi sympathisers, Colonial Governments are aware of the policy adopted in the United Kingdom, and so far as is practic- able such discrimination is made. Internees can appeal against their internment to the Government, but some Colonial Governments have not felt able, in view of the special circumstances of the territory, to adopt a policy of release similar to that adopted in the United Kingdom. With regard to the last part of the Question, my Noble Friend is satisfied that, so far as conditions of internment are concerned, due care is taken to mitigate the hardships involved.

Mr. Sorensen

Have any, in fact, been released from internment? Will my hon. Friend take particular note of the conditions of internees in Cyprus? Will he look into the whole question and see that at least a fair proportion of those who have been interned are able to apply for their release in the same way as internees in this country?

Mr. Hall

They can apply for their cases to be considered by Advisory Committees, and a number have been released on such applications.

Mr. Wedgwood

My hon. Friend said in his reply that they could not be released because the conditions were not the same as in this country. I should like to know whether they are having the same treatment as internees in this country?

Mr. Hall

I am afraid that my right hon. Friend has not quite understood the reply. I said that internees can appeal against their internment to the Government, but some Colonial Governments have not felt able, in view of the special circumstances of the territory, to adopt a policy of release similar to that adopted in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Wedgwood

Can my hon. Friend say who these Governments are?

Mr. Hall

Yes, Sir, if my right hon. Friend will put a Question down.

Mr. Sorensen

Will my hon. Friend look into the conditions of internees in Cyprus?

Mr. Hall

indicated assent.