§ 35. Sir John Wardlaw-Milneasked the Home Secretary how many cases have been considered by the Committee set up by him to deal with cases of citizens of friendly countries detained under a deportation order; how many cases await hearing; and in how many cases has release from detention been granted?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)The Committee appointed to advise my right hon. Friend on the cases of non-enemy aliens detained under Article 12(5A) of the Aliens Order has so far considered 316 of the cases referred to it. Fourteen further cases await hearing. Of the cases considered by the Committee, the release of 114 persons has been authorised. In addition my right hon. Friend has authorised the release of 276 detainees without reference to the Committee.
§ Sir J. Wardlaw-MilneDoes my hon. Friend really think the situation is satisfactory and quite fair to these people? It is quite true that they have the right to appear before the Committee, but is it not the case that they are not told what charges are to be brought against them? It is a difficult thing for a man to answer a charge if he does not know the nature of the charge.
§ Mr. PeakeI have examined many transcripts of proceedings before the Committee and invariably it is the practice of the Committee to put to the detained person facts which are known to his detriment.