§ Mr. NIELDasked the Home Secretary whether any representations have been made to him concerning the necessity for the supervision or control of one Wilhelm Schmahl, now passing under the names of William Ratcliffe, or William Ratcliffe Small, or William Small, of Teddington; whether he is aware that this person is of German origin or birth and that he was originally a workman in the enemy firm or company known as the Armorduct Manufacturing Company, Limited, a company whose members are almost wholly alien enemies now fighting in the field against this country, and who now claims to be a small shareholder though it is believed he is only the nominee of the alien enemies referred to and here for the protection of their interests; whether he is aware that complaints have been made of this man frequenting coastal towns and visiting Woolwich Arsenal, of his motor journeys by night, and of his visit to St. Andrews, N.B., under the pretence of desiring to golf, as well as his endeavours to conceal his identity under his wife's maiden name of Ratcliffe though for twelve years after marriage and before the War he was content to be known by the German name of Schmahl, made frequent visits to Germany, and frequently associated with an 1516W Austrian alien enemy who has been heavily fined since the War for having without licence or authority guns, cars ammunition, and wireless on his premises; and what steps have or will be taken to keep the man under observation and supervision with a view to his internment?
Mr. SAMUELMy predecessor received certain communications in September and October last from a private correspondent with regard to the use of a motor car by the person in question. Inquiries were made, but no ground for any action against him was discovered. He is a naturalised British subject of German origin, and, according to the information in my possession, is managing director of the Amorduct Manufacturing Company. I have no knowledge of the other circumstances mentioned, or of the complaints alleged to have been made. If the hon. Member can submit to me further particulars with regard to these matters, I shall be glad to have them inquired into by the proper authorities.