§ Mr. Harveyasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the difficulties which have arisen for the civilian internees transferred from Great Britain to Canada, owing to the fact that the Canadian internment camps are under military regulations and military jurisdiction; that these civilian internees are regarded in Canada as prisoners of war; and whether he will approach the Dominion authorities with a view to securing that these internees shall be treated as civilians, under regulations and administrative arrangements similar to those instituted by the Home Office in the Isle of Man?
§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that refugee internees in Canadian camps are still largely treated as prisoners of war; that instructions emanating from the director of internment operations or camp authorities still bear the heading "Prisoners of War"; that restrictions on the receipt of currency other than neutral currency are imposed on them corresponding to the German practice for British prisoners of war; and whether he will take any action to alter this state of affairs?
§ Mr. PeakeThese matters have been under consideration and I understand that the Canadian Government have now decided to place the refugee camps under a separate administration, quite distinct from that of prisoners of war. This change will result in treatment similar to that enjoyed by internees in the Isle of Man. As regards the currency permitted in the Canadian camps, my information is that there is no restriction on the receipt of currency direct from foreign countries (including enemy countries), whose regulations allow money to be sent to Canada. Remittances of sterling to Canada from this country are prohibited by the Defence (Finance) Regulations.