HC Deb 30 May 1940 vol 361 c671W
Mr. Silkin

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to ensure that members of Fascist and Communist organisations are not admitted to the Auxiliary Police Force or to air-raid precautions organisations?

Sir J. Anderson

The primary responsibility for satisfying themselves as to the complete reliability of individual members of Auxiliary Police and Civil Defence Services rests with chief officers of police and local authorities respectively. I have no reason to doubt that the responsible authorities are fully aware of the importance, more particularly at the present juncture, of satisfying themselves in this matter, but I am arranging to circulate to them a copy of this Question and answer.

Mr. Fleming

asked the Home Secretary how many Communists have been detained in Brixton Prison or elsewhere in the United Kingdom; and what are their names?

Sir J. Anderson

No Communists, as such, have been detained. I cannot say how many persons detained are in fact Communists.