§ Mr. LUNNasked the Home Secretary how many persons are at present interned in Reading gaol; what are their nationalities; on what charge, if any, they have been so interned; and whether, as hostilities have now been successfully terminated, they can be released or given a public trial?
§ Mr. SHORTTThere arc fourteen per sons interned at Reading; the nationalities are five Belgians, three British subjects, two Dutchmen, one Spaniard, one Argentine, one American, and one Ger man. They were interned under Defence of the Realm Regulation 14 B, because in view of their hostile origin or associations their internment was expedient for the purpose of securing the public safety arid the defence of the realm. They will be re leased as soon as that can toe done safely, and the cases are now being reviewed with that object.