HC Deb 22 January 1942 vol 377 cc402-3
69. Wing-Commander James

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases of the 14 men convicted at Thames Police Court, on 8th November, unidentified in the registration, has the identity of status now been established and with what result; and whether he is satisfied that the autho- rities have, and are using, adequate powers to sift thoroughly the alien and sub-alien population?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have now obtained particulars about each of the 45 men who were reported to be of military age. Nine of them were aliens and therefore not liable for registration under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, and the liability of another on grounds of nationality is still being investigated. The 35 British subjects include one who was found on further investigation to be above military age; 14 who were in low medical categories; seven who were in reserved occupations; two who were deferred on account of their individual occupations, and one postponed on grounds of hardship.

Mr. G. Strauss

What exactly is meant by "sub-alien"?

Mr. Morrison

I am not quite sure. I have an idea, but I had better not risk it.