HC Deb 21 May 1942 vol 380 c355
33. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that friendly Austrians in this country are, at least, as well treated as friendly neutrals in respect of exemption from curfew, duty to notify any change of address, possession of bicycles, motor vehicles and similar matters?

Mr. H. Morrison

As I have previously explained to my hon. Friend, exemption from the special restrictions applicable to aliens of enemy nationality is granted to Austrians who satisfy me that they are wholeheartedly sympathetic with the Allied cause and willing to assist in our war effort. Such exemption places them in the same position as friendly neutrals in respect of the matters mentioned in the Question.

Mr. Manders

Is the Minister aware that it does not always work out in practice on those lines? Will he be good enough to give the widest publicity to the statement which he has just made?

Mr. Morrison

I will do my best. If there are any individual cases I shall be happy to look into them.

Miss Eleanor Rathbone

Will the Minister extend this also to friendly Germans who are known to be equally reliable?

Mr. Morrison

I think so, Sir. They are in the same category.