HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 cc1011-2W
Mr. Davidson

asked the Home Secretary why Lady Pearson, who founded the Sandwich, Kent, branch of the British Union of Fascists in 1934, and was announced as the Fascist candidate for Canterbury in 1936, was arrested since the start of the war, and then released?

Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Home Secretary under what regulation Lady Pearson was detained and for how long; whether she appeared before any advisory tribunal; and what representations were made on her behalf and by whom?

Sir J. Anderson

By the Defence Regulations power has been given to the police to detain persons temporarily pending consideration of the question whether there are grounds for a detention order under Regulation 18B: and the fact that an individual so detained may be subsequently released ought not to be regarded as an indication that the temporary detention was unwarranted. On the contrary, there are cases in which it is right in present circumstances that a suspected person should be so detained temporarily, though subsequent inquiries and further consideration of the case may result in a decision not to make an order of detention under Regulation 18B. This is what occurred in the case to which my hon. Friends refer. The lady was detained on 4th June. A report was sent to me by the police, and after consideration of this report I decided on 8th June that the case was not one for an order under Regulation 18B. My decision was based on the facts and circumstances reported to me by the police.

Mr. Davidson

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for Maryhill, referring to the Fascist activities of Major Davidson Houston; and what action does he intend to take?

Sir J. Anderson

This man was arrested by the Kent Police on 4th June and, after consideration of all the information available, I decided that it was not necessary to make a detention order against him, but I made an order under Regulation 18A of the Defence Regulations requiring him to remain out of protected areas and to notify any change of address to the police. I have since received further information in consequence of which I have now made an order for his detention.