HC Deb 19 February 1942 vol 377 cc1885-6
38. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Home Secretary whether Admiral Sir Barry Domvile, who has been imprisoned for 19 months, is detained under the Acts Prejudicial Section of the Defence Regulations; and whether he will allow this officer, who has rendered 44 years of distinguished service to the country, an opportunity to prove his innocence of acts of sabotage, attempts to get secret information, and seeking to make contact with the enemy, particulars in support of which have never been furnished to him or the Advisory Committee?

Mr. H. Morrison

Particulars of the reasons for which a detention order was made against Admiral Sir Barry Domvile were communicated to him by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, and he was given every opportunity at the hearing of his case before the Committee to deal with all the matters alleged against him. In the Debate on 26th November on Regulation 18B I gave a general account of the main types of cases where detention orders have been made against persons believed to have been concerned in acts prejudicial to the public safety or the defence of the realm, and I gather that my hon. and gallant Friend is suggesting that if any person is detained on the ground of acts prejudicial, his acts can only be of the types mentioned in this general account. This was not of course my meaning and I was not attempting to give an exhaustive summary of every type of act which may be the basis of a detention order under this provision.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I had two long talks with this elderly officer and that, judged by every unbiased standard, he now appears to be treated most unjustly? May I beg the right hon. Gentleman to give an opportunity to this officer to reopen his case and make his innocence clear? Does the right hon. Gentleman really suggest that this officer is a danger to the State?

Sir Irving Albery

rose—

Mr. Speaker

We must get on with the Questions.

Sir I. Albery

I respectfully desire to ask you, Sir, whether a question such as that which has just been asked, which concerns a distinguished officer who has served his country, should not receive a reply from the Home Secretary?

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Gentleman has answered the Question on the Paper.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.