HC Deb 12 December 1946 vol 431 cc1335-6
59. Mr. Orbach

asked the Minister of Labour why it is the practice of his Department to regard natives of Danzig as of German nationality.

Mr. Isaacs

In general it is not the practice of my Department to regard natives of Danzig as German nationals, but if my hon. Friend has in mind the question of issuing permits for the employment of persons who are stated to have been born in Danzig or to have been of Danzig nationality my Department has followed the practice of the Home Office and applied to citizens of Danzig who are enemy aliens the policy laid down for German nationals. I understand the matter is at present under review.

Mr. Orbach

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the last part of his reply, might I ask him if he is aware of a reply that I received to a Question I directed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which was to the effect that the natives of Danzig are not treated as German nationals?

Mr. Isaacs

It is probably due to the little confusion that has emerged that it has been decided that the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Labour shall review this matter.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Can my right hon. Friend explain why the citizens of Danzig are classed by his Department as enemies? When were the citizens of Danzig enemy nationals?