§ Sir G. Foxasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case at Southampton recently when the occupier of a cottage was heavily fined for signalling for a purpose prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm; and whether the person in question has been, or will be, interned?
§ Mr. PeakeIf the woman concerned in this case was in fact guilty of signalling for a purpose prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm, it is clear that the imposition of a fine was a totally inadequate method of dealing with the offence. Such information as my right hon. Friend has at present about the case shows that flashes of light were caused by the opening and shutting of the door of the house, and that there is no evidence to suggest that this was done with intent to give signals to enemy aircraft. As a measure of immediate precaution, my right hon. Friend has ordered the internment of the woman and is causing further inquiries to be made.