§ 21. Captain W. T. Shawasked the Home Secretary how many of those detained under Defence Regulation i8b have been brought to trial?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe object of Defence Regulation 18B is to provide in time of war power to detain on grounds of national security persons whom it is not possible to deal with by means of criminal proceedings. As a general rule, therefore, no question arises of instituting criminal proceedings against persons so detained, but there have been two cases in which, after a person has been detained under this Regulation, further information has resulted in the institution of criminal proceedings.
§ Captain ShawCan the Minister say on what grounds these two cases were selected? Are they particular cases?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir. They were particular cases, and there were particular circumstances, but it would be a misinterpretation of Regulation i8b if it was assumed that there should be proceedings in the courts.
§ Sir Irving AlberyWas this House fully acquainted with the fact, when it gave authority for this Regulation, that persons arrested on suspicion would never subsequently be brought to trial?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am perfectly sure the House was aware of that. The Regulation was perfectly plain. It was duly authorised, and I think it is wrong now to raise issues which were perfectly clear at the time, and to have these afterthoughts.