HC Deb 02 November 1944 vol 404 cc951-2
44 and 58. Sir I. Albery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if it is proposed to bring any charge against any of the persons of British birth and nationality who have now been kept in detention for over four years;

(2) why it is still considered necessary to detain, without time limit, persons of British birth and nationality, without charge, trial or right of appeal.

Mr. H. Morrison

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement of policy which I made on 26th September. As a result of the review of cases which is in progress, a number of further releases has been authorised, and of the total of 223 detained on 31st July, release has been authorised in 130 cases, leaving a balance of just over 90. Of this balance, the great majority are persons who, though technically British subjects, are persons of hostile origin or associations while some twenty possess enemy nationality as well as British nationality. It is not in itself a crime to be of hostile origin or associations, and the question of putting such persons on trial does not arise. As I have stated on previous occasions, detention is not a substitute for prosecution which is instituted whenever there is sufficient evidence of a criminal offence, but is a preventive measure in cases where it is necessary to exercise this form of control in the interests of national security.

Sir I. Albery

Does my right hon. Friend feel assured that those persons whom he is still detaining are of a more dangerous description than those he has released?

Mr. Morrison

I know that my hon. Friend finds it difficult to believe, but obviously I do believe that.