§ 24. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many British subjects are still interned in the Isle of Man; how many are in the fourth and fifth year of detention, respectively; and whether such detainees can now be given improved conditions of detention and, in particular, a separate camp should they so desire.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonOf the 45 British subjects detained in the Isle of Man, 40 have been detained for more than four years and one over three years. The great majority of these persons are persons of hostile origin or associations, and many of them at their own request have for a long time been accommodated in the camps set apart for aliens of enemy nationality. Owing to the reduction in numbers through releases, it was decided that the maintenance of a separate camp for the few others detained under the Regulation could not be justified, and indeed was hot in their best interest, and in order that they should have the better recreational and welfare facilities of a larger camp, they were transferred to other camps. I am satisfied that they enjoy as good facilities as are possible in the circumstances.
§ Mr. HarveyWhile appreciating the need for economy that governs this decision, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the wishes of the persons concerned as to the particular camps where they are to reside?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will certainly bear that in mind, but it is also the case that they themselves may well be having a better time in larger numbers than if they were isolated in very small numbers.