Miss Rathboneasked the Home Secretary how many aliens of enemy nationality or stateless, but formerly of German or Austrian nationality, men and women respectively, are now interned in this country; and how many have been sent overseas?
§ Mr. PeakeAccording to the latest available information some 12,500 men and 3,800 women are now interned in this country, and some 7,500 ma le civilian internees have been sent overseas.
Miss Rathboneasked the Home Secretary what is the nature of the personnel engaged in considering claims for the release of aliens of enemy nationality now interned; whether such claims will be granted provided he is satisfied that the aliens come within the categories of persons now exempted under the regulations from internment; and whether he is satisfied that the staff dealing with the matter is adequate?
§ Mr. PeakeMy right hon. Friend is advised in this matter by one of the administrative divisions of the Home Office which has recently been strengthened for the purpose of dealing with applications of this character. An announcement will be made at an early date as regards the categories of persons in respect of whom my right hon. Friend is prepared to consider applications for release and as to the manner in which such applications should be submitted.