HC Deb 17 December 1942 vol 385 c2053
30. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give Members of this House, on request, the names of any of their constituents who continue to be detained under Regulation 18B contrary to the recommendation of the Advisory Committee?

Mr. H. Morrison

No, Sir. I regret that I am not prepared to comply with this request.

Sir I. Albery

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply prevents a Member of the House from carrying out what is part of his proper duties to a constituent, and that to refuse that permission is to treat the House with contempt?

Mr. Morrison

I do not agree at all. I resent any suggestion that I treat the House with contempt. I am responsible to the House; I accept that responsibility. I do not think it is right that this should be done, as I think it would lead to a good deal of confusion.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that any of these persons detained can, if they think fit, communicate with their Members of Parliament?

Mr. Morrison

That is so, and I assure the hon. Member that they often do.