HC Deb 02 October 1941 vol 374 cc733-4W
Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of an anti-Nazi organiser, Willy Otto, who, though returned from Australia, is still interned in camp P, although ho has applied for release under Category 19; when his case is likely to be heard; and will it come before Sir Francis Lindley?

Mr. H. Morrison

This man's application has recently been received and has been referred for examination to the tribunal under the chairmanship of Sir Cecil Hurst which deals with applications from Germans and Austrians under Category 19. Sir Francis Lindley is chairman of a different body which considers cases of non-enemy aliens detained under Article 12 (5A) of the Aliens Order.

Mr. Radford

asked the Home Secretary whether the British Fascists interned in the Isle of Man receive precisely the same official food rations as their fellow citizens in England, Scotland and Wales?

Mr. Morrison

They receive the same food rations as other persons interned in the Isle of Man, and in no case do internees receive more than the ordinary civilian population.

Mr. Radford

asked the Home Secretary to what extent, owing to the place of internment of the British Fascists being the Isle of Man, their friends are able to supplement their rations so as to render them free of the restrictions that have to be borne by their fellow citizens in England, Scotland and Wales; and if he will take immediate steps to terminate this?

Mr. Morrison

The receipt by persons detained under Defence Regulation i8b of parcels containing foodstuffs has been strictly limited and restricted. They are not permitted to receive foodstuffs rationed either in the United Kingdom or the Isle of Man, and parcels containing unrationed foodstuffs obtained in the Isle of Man must not exceed 10s. in value and must be limited to one a week.

Mr. Wilson

asked the Home Secretary why the local employment exchange for internees is not operating in the Peel Camp, so that internees have no chance of agricultural or other work that might be available in other camps: to what classes of work are they put in Peel Camp; and why have efforts to secure their release for forestry work in other camps been refused?

Mr. Morrison

Peel Camp consists of two separate compounds, one for persons detained under Defence Regulation i8b and the other for enemy aliens who are of Nazi sympathies or pro-German. Neither of these groups can be transferred to other camps nor are they within the scope of the temporary branch office established by the Ministry of Labour and National Service in Douglas in order to find employment for internees who may be considered for release. The Home Office welfare officer in the island has, however, been able to arrange for selected parties of the detainees in Peel Camp and a few of the internees to work under escort outside the Camp on agriculture and gardening. A considerable number are also engaged on camp duties. Notwithstanding the special difficulties presented by this camp, every effort is being made to find work for those who are able and willing to undertake it.