§ Mr. SHERWELLasked the Secretary of State for War if he can now state the result of his inquiry into the circumstances under which Brigadier-General Grove recently issued a questionnaire to four justices of the peace in Birmingham; and what action has been taken in the matter?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAs a result of the further inquiries made, I now can state that the relevant facts are as given in the first part of the hon. Gentleman's original question. The action taken was under Nos. 43 and 53 of Defence of the Realm Regulations, which give power to the competent military authority to require persons to furnish information in their possession. In this particular case the competent military authority would appear to have overstepped the border line, and he has been so informed. The demand was not made with my knowledge or consent.