§ Mr. Thurtleasked the Home Secretary what representations he has received from the police, naval, and military intelligence departments regarding the number and character of enemy aliens ho have been granted exemption from internment by the tribunals set up for the purpose of considering such cases; and what action has been taken thereon?
§ Sir J. AndersonWhen these tribunals were appointed, a memorandum was issued to them by the Home Office giving advice and guidance as to the principles which they should follow in the examination of the cases of Germans and Austrians brought before them. This memorandum was drawn up after consultation with representatives of the police and of the802W Service Intelligence Departments, and I have no reason to doubt that, generally speaking, the tribunals have given effect to the principles recommended by the Home Office when deciding whether or not to grant exemption from internment. But the decisions of the tribunals are not irrevocable, and in any case where the police or the Service Intelligence Departments can give me information which suggests that a case requires further consideration, the decision of the tribunal is reviewed in the light of such information. It is equally open to review on representations by or on behalf of the alien concerned. I am not in a position to say how many representations have been made to me without an examination of each individual file, but any suggestion that a decision given by a tribunal precludes the Home Office from taking appropriate action on information subsequently brought to notice is entirely mistaken. In addition, as I stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) on 17th January, I am at present considering a scheme for a further review of the cases of enemy aliens whom the tribunals have exempted from internment but have not exempted from the special restrictions applicable to enemy aliens.