HC Deb 18 October 1945 vol 414 cc1349-50
19. Squadron-Leader Hollis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will release from internment Italians whose business and families are located in this country and who have played no active part in Fascist organisation.

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. The Italians still interned are those who have not applied for release in order to assist the war effort of the United Nations, or have failed to satisfy me that their sympathies were pro-Allied. Arrangements are being made for their repatriation as soon as transport to Italy is available.

Captain Gammans

Is it proposed to-repatriate Italians who have married British women and whose children have, in some cases, fought in our Forces in the war? Is there to be no sort of elasticity, or are they all to be sent back?

Mr. Ede

In any case like that, I have no doubt that individual representations will be made and each case will be considered on its merits.

Mr. Stokes

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he means when he says they did not help the war effort? The war is now over. Are they to be given no opportunity to help the peace effort?