HC Deb 08 August 1940 vol 364 cc453-4W
Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the new policy announced by the Government in regard to German refugees who can help in our war effort, he will communicate with county councils, withdrawing or modifying the instructions issued on 10th June, which ordered the immediate dismissal of Germans, Austrians and Czechs, of either sex, who were working in any capacity in hospitals providing treatment for men of His Majesty's Forces and the later instructions which extended this order to cover Italians?

Sir J. Anderson

As indicated in the reply which I gave on 1st August to a Question by the hon. Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little), this matter is being reviewed in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and the military authorities.

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to give a full answer to the representations, regarding Klaus Munter, made to him by the hon. Member for London University on 26th July?

Sir J. Anderson

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for the information which he has given to me about this case, and will send him an answer without delay.

Mr. W. Roberts

asked the Home Secretary whether aliens who had volunteered to join the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps and have been deported to the Dominions, while their applications were under consideration, will have an opportunity of returning in order to enlist?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not think it would be profitable to bring a person back to this country merely on the chance that he might be accepted for enlistment. I should, however, be prepared to authorise the release of any person sent to a Dominion if the Government of that Dominion were prepared to accept him for enlistment in its Forces.

Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of Egyptian graduates, many of them qualified medical men, are in this country and, though willing, are not allowed to assist this country in its war effort; and, as Egypt is our Ally, will he take steps to enlist the services of these people to help against the common enemy?

Sir J. Anderson

If the suggestion is that foreigners admitted to this country for the purpose of medical studies and on the understanding that they would not be allowed to practise here should now be permitted to practise medicine in the United Kingdom, such a course would be contrary to the policy which has been agreed upon in consultation with the medical profession.