HC Deb 16 July 1942 vol 381 c1330
14. Mr. R. G. Morrison

asked the Home Secretary the cause of the delay in dealing with the case of an alien, about whom he has been informed, brought back from Canada two months ago and now in the Isle of Man; what inquiries are still uncompleted; and when a decision will be made?

Mr. H. Morrison

The alien to whom I assume that my hon. Friend refers was brought back from Canada for consideration of the question of his eligibility for release. The fact that he has been offered employment is not in itself sufficient reason for authorising the release of a man who does not fall within any of the categories of civilian internees eligible for release from internment, as laid down in the White Paper (Cmd. 6233) of October, 1940, which still remains the basis of the Government's policy. The position of this particular case was explained to my hon. Friend by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in a letter of 24th June, and I am still awaiting the replies to the inquiries which had then already been initiated. I hope to be in a position to reach a decision at a very early date, when I will not fail to inform my hon. Friend.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

In view of the fact that I was informed in the right hon. Gentleman's Department that these inquiries would not take more than a month and that considerably over two months have elapsed, can he expedite this matter?

Mr. H. Morrison

I will do all I can, but I cannot accept the view that there was delay in the Home Office. Inquiries had to be made by the Ministry of Labour, and I do not think there was any undue delay there, because the alien arrived back on 12th May but unfortunately did not register with the Ministry of Labour, and, indeed, it was left to the Home Office to approach the Ministry of Labour on his behalf.