HC Deb 14 October 1942 vol 383 cc1617-8
27. Mr. Astor

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the conditions under which women suspects in Palestine have been detained have been improved both as to location and the provision of adequate medical attention?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

The civilian internment camps in Palestine were inspected earlier this year by the delegate of the International Red Cross Committee, who recorded in his report that the camps had left an excellent impression. It is in accordance with the policy of His Majesty's Government and of the authorities in Palestine to maintain this high standard. My Noble Friend will, of course, make inquiries about any individual complaint when it is brought to his attention.

Mr. Astor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a case when even Allies have actually been put in a lunatic asylum and subsequently released absolutely without a stain on their character, and will he take care that this sort of thing does not occur again?

Mr. Macmillan

The hon. Member was good enough to bring to my attention the case to which he refers, but without any method by which I could institute an inquiry or trace it, it was so vague in its character.

Mr. Astor

When I mentioned it to the right hon. Gentleman he did not complain that my information was not specific enough.

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