§ Mr. Cocksasked the Home Secretary (1) whether he has studied the activities of the Fifth Column in Norway, Holland, Belgium and France; and, as there is a strong feeling that many people are still at large in this country who ought to be interned, whether he will initiate more vigorous steps to deal with this problem;
(2) whether he will order the immediate internment of all members of the British Union and other Fascist and pro-enemy organisations?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have had full reports of what has taken place in the countries mentioned. I can assure my hon. Friend that active steps have been and are being taken to deal with any persons in this country about whose activities there are grounds for suspicion. Wide powers of search and investigation have been conferred on the police and a large number of persons have already been interned under the Defence Regulation which provides for preventive detention. Full use will continue to be made of these powers.