HC Deb 24 February 1944 vol 397 cc960-1
21. Mr. Hubert Beaumont

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to make any statement in regard to the removal of the movement restrictions which at present exclude many aliens from fireguard duties.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have now made an Order amending the Aliens (Movement Restriction) Order, 1940. Under this amending Order those foreigners who have since 1940 been subject to curfew restrictions will be relieved of the restrictions as from 6th March, 1944. This will largely increase the number of foreigners liable for fire guard duties. As regards the possession of bicycles and other vehicles permission has already been granted to a large number of individuals and the exemption from the prohibition of possession will now be made general instead of particular. Aliens who are subject to the special restrictions imposed on aliens of enemy nationality, and certain other aliens who are subject to individual restriction orders, will not be affected under the new Order. In Aliens' Protected Areas the existing restrictions will continue to apply and a new Order consolidating some of those restrictions has been made.

Mr. Beaumont

While thanking my right hon. Friend for this announcement and these concessions, which will be appreciated and warmly welcomed by a large number of aliens in this country who desire to render service to the cause of the Allied nations, will he consider extending the provisions to cover all aliens who have been, or who may be, accepted in the Civil Defence, Ambulance, First Aid and National Fire Services and the Home Guard?

Mr. Morrison

I cannot answer for the Home Guard; I can answer only for the Civil Defence Services, and I will certainly give the matter consideration. My hon. Friend will appreciate that I must have the right to say that certain aliens must be subject to special restrictions and that I cannot apply this to the aliens in restricted areas in the existing situation.

Mr. Mathers

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear that this Order applies to Scotland?

Mr. Morrison

I think it does.

Mr. Buchanan

It does.