§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what powers over their subjects in this country are still retained by foreign Governments formerly exiled in this country, who have now returned to their own lands.
Mr. McNeilThe powers over their nationals in this country of the Allied Governments formerly established in the United Kingdom were no greater, in English law, while these Governments were here than they had been before the establishment of the Governments concerned in this country, except in respect of those of their nationals who were serving in their Armed Forces or mercantile marine or who become liable to such service. In virtue of the Allied Forces Act, 1940, members of Allied Forces serving in this country are subject to the discipline of their own military authorities in so far as is provided for by theAct, the necessity for the retention of which is kept under review. The Allied Powers (War Service) Act, which may be held to constitute an indirect means of enforcing measures of conscription introduced by Allied Governments, is at present in suspense, and its termination is under consideration. The majority of the Maritime Courts set up by virtue of the Allied Powers (Maritime Courts) Act, 1941, have now ceased or suspended their sittings, and my right hon. Friend has recently notified the remaining Allied Governments concerned of the expiration of this Act in February, 1946.