HC Deb 18 November 1941 vol 376 cc185-6W
Mr. Purbrick

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make provision giving British subjects the right of appeal against decisions of the Home Secretary for the time being, made Regulation 18B of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, such appeal to be conducted in private, and the onus of proof of his innocence to rest on the appellant?

The Prime Minister

The existing Regulation already provides safeguards in the provisions giving a right to detainees to make objections to an advisory committee, but the final decision in these cases must rest with the Secretary of State, who is responsible to Parliament for the administration of the Regulation.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of repeated warnings given by Ministers of the Crown as to the danger of invasion, he is satisfied that all persons whose activities are likely to be of assistance to the invader are now safely interned?

Mr. H. Morrison

Persons whose activities are such as to bring them within the provisions of paragraphs (1) or (1A) of Defence Regulation 18B have been detained whenever they have come under notice and in addition, I have power, under paragraph (1B) of the Regulation, in any area to which the paragraph may be applied having regard to any actual or immediately apprehended enemy action, to direct the detention of persons whose recent conduct indicates that they are likely to assist the enemy. I shall not hesitate to use these powers if the necessity arises.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been interned or imprisoned since the outbreak of war for reasons of national security; and approximately how many border-line cases there are that he has under observation, but which do not come within the strict letter of the law?

Mr. Morrison

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to Defence Regulation 18B. 1,766 persons have been detained under that Regulation since the outbreak of war, and 671 are still detained. It would not be desirable for me to make any statement as to the number of persons who are at present under observation.