§ 50. Mrs. Ayrton Gouldasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he is aware that two Austrian Social Democrats, Mr. Machold, the leader of the Styrian Government, and Mr. Rosenwith, the Security Director of Styria, were arrested on an order of an inter-Allied commission in Styria, British zone, for alleged pro-Nazi activities; that these two gentlemen have not only been loyal members of the Social Democratic Party for more than 40 years, but were held in German concentration camps during the war; and whether an official inquiry is being held now to inquire into their bona fides and, if so, why.
§ Mr. J. HyndMr. Machold and Mr. Rosenwith, of whose good records I am aware, were not arrested for alleged pro-Nazi activities but were recently questioned as a result of the investigations of a Quadripartite Commission into alleged Austrian military preparations. Immediate inquiries were made and I am now informed that no suspicion of Nazi activities attaches to them and they are at complete liberty.
§ Mrs. Ayrton GouldIs it not a fact that one of the men was detained when he was prosecuted?
§ Mr. HyndI understand that the two men were called in for questioning, but 790 were released on the same day after questioning, and, as stated in my answer, they are now at complete liberty.