§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Home Secretary what action was taken by the Government during the years 1914 to 1918 with regard to enemy aliens on the eastern seaboard of Scotland; and whether it is intended to follow or vary that action at the present time, in view of submarine and aerial activity by the enemy in that region?
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§ Mr. PeakeUnder the provisions of the Aliens Restriction Orders made during the years 1914–18, certain areas in the British Isles, including a number of areas in Scotland, were scheduled as prohibited areas and an enemy alien was not permitted to enter or reside or continue to reside either temporarily or permanently in such an area, unless provided with a permit issued for the purpose by the police. Under Article 9 of the Aliens Order, 1920, as amended at the outbreak of war, power is given to the Secretary of State on the recommendation of the Admiralty, Army Council or Air Council to impose similar restrictions. The position to-day is different from the position in the last war, because to-day the majority of Germans and Austrians are refugees from the regime against which this country is fighting, but the question whether in certain areas special restrictions should be imposed as regards the residence of aliens or certain classes of aliens is now being considered.