HC Deb 20 October 1942 vol 383 cc1830-1
46. Mr. Ammon

asked the Prime Minister whether any vessels transporting Channel Islanders to Germany have been intercepted by British ships of war?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Although a large number of attacks are made on shipping in the Channel, we have no knowledge that any of the ships attacked were carrying Channel Islanders.

Mr. Ammon

Can my right hon. Friend say what great wrong these islanders have done that they are treated with such scant consideration?

Mr. Attlee

I am not quite sure what my hon. Friend means. Certainly, they are not treated with any scant consideration by this Government. They get very little consideration from our enemies.

Mr. Ammon

Does not my right hon. Friend know that this is the first time in history that British territory has been invaded without any resistance, and people handed over to the enemy and no notice taken in this House at any time by the Government?

Major Petherick

Will my right hon. Friend be in a position to make a general statement about the fate of the Channel Islanders, who, after all, are subjects of the British Crown, before the House rises?

Mr. Attlee

I will convey that to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.