§ 21. Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many B and C class aliens there are now in Canada; and when and why it is proposed to bring any of them back to the United Kingdom?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)Approximately 1,200 Germans and Austrians in Category B or C are interned in Canada. The release of about 300 of these has already been authorised to take effect on their departure from Canada and they will be given an opportunity of returning to this country as and when shipping 902 accommodation is available. The Canadian Government agreed to accept these people as internees, and not as immigrants. Consequently in the cases of those who are eligible for release, return to this country is a necessary preliminary to release.
§ Wing-Commander JamesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that consequent upon America becoming directly involved in the war many British subjects who were sent across the Atlantic have a legitimate reason for desiring to return? May we have an assurance that they will have a preference over these aliens whom the Government are anyhow pledged to move on from this country at the conclusion of the war?
§ Mr. MorrisonMy Department is not primarily concerned with transport facilities or the allocation of priorities. In any case the internees who will be returned to this country will be returned only as and when shipping accommodation is available.
§ Miss Eleanor RathboneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men are very valuable, and, if Canada is foolish enough not to make full use of them in the war effort, the sooner they are returned the better?