§ Sir E. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Italians who were resident here before the war, male and female, respectively, have been interned; how many, male and female, have been released to date; if he will consider releasing those who are of good character and some time resident here, to do useful Work; and if he will give the reasons for detention, especially the detention of those who have been resident in Great Britain for at least seven years.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe total number of Italian civilians (men, women, and young persons over 16) resident here when Italy entered the war was approximately 20,000. 4,300, of whom 17 were females, have been interned. About 700 remain in internment, 530 in the Isle of Man and the remainder in Canada or Australia. As regards the last two parts of the Question, over 1,200 of the male Italians released from internment did not come within any of the categories laid down in the White Paper (Cmd. 6233), but were released to do work of national importance. It is open to those still in internment to apply similarly for release for this purpose, and, unless there is some security or other special reason against it, release would be authorised.