§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether Mr. Arthur Donaldson, a Scottish Nationalist, now confined in Barlinnie prison, Glasgow, under Defence Regulations, is detained under conditions similar to those applied to alien enemies; and whether he will have an early opportunity of appealing to the advisory committee?
Mr. JohnstonThis man was detained in pursuance of an Order made by the Regional Commissioner for Scotland under Defence Regulation 18BB. Such detention is provisional in character, pending consideration by the Secretary of State whether an Order shall be made for his detention under Regulation 18B. I have fully considered all the available information relating to this case and while I am satisfied that the information then available was sufficient to justify the making of an Order for provisional detention I have reached the conclusion after reviewing all the circumstances that this man's indefinite detention is not necessary in the interests of national security and I have accordingly authorised his release.
§ Mr. Stokesasked the Home Secretary why there was a delay of more than six months in coming to a decision with regard to the case of Mr. Thomas P. Hosey, who was detained under Regulation i8b, and who appeared before the advisory committee in November, 1940, only to be released unconditionally some six months later?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe investigation of this case by the Advisory Committee showed that further inquiries were desirable. When these inquiries were completed I reviewed the case with care and came to the conclusion that his release might properly be authorised subject to certain restrictions. Mr. Hosey was not released unconditionally.