HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 cc1016-7W
Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens in category C are now to be interned; and the cost per year of each to the country?

Mr. W. Roberts

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make a statement as to what are the principles upon which aliens are now being interned?

Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Home Secretary whether it is his intention to intern gradually all C certificate German refugees?

Miss Rathbone

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the great suffering, injustice and economic dislocation caused by the wholesale internment of aliens under general orders, he will consider modifying these orders, at least, in the case of those who after full investigation by the tribunals have been placed in category C, as refugees from Nazi oppression, and against whom no grounds for suspicion are known to the authorities?

Sir J. Anderson

In view of the exigencies of the military situation, certain further categories of Germans and Austrians now at large are being interned as a measure of precaution, but it would not be in the public interest to give details of the scheme at this stage. I realise, and regret, the hardships necessarily involved in any measure of wholesale internment; but in times of crisis considerations of military security must take precedence of all other considerations. I am taking such steps as are possible to mitigate the difficulties and hardships involved, by exempting from internment certain categories of persons whose position can be distinguished by reason of the value of their services to the national war effort.

Captain Elliston

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to avoid unnecessary hardship for refugees of established good character, he will make an early statement of the intention of the Government in regard to the internment of Germans and Austrians classified by the tribunals in category C; and whether such persons will be given reasonable notice by the police before removal from their homes?

Sir J. Anderson

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to-day to similar Questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Handsworth (Commander Locker-Lampson) and other Members. As regards the second part, the police have standing instructions to give reasonable facilities to an alien to make any necessary arrangements before effecting his internment.