§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered a petition, dated 29th April 1942, from persons detained in Holloway Prison under Regulation 18B without trial; and what steps are to be taken in the matter towards securing the release, or officially confirming the further detention of any or all of these prisoners?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes, Sir. The petition purports to be a general representation on behalf of certain of the women detained in Holloway Prison commenting on Defence Regulation 18B and its administration. I have duly considered it, but I have been unable to find in it any grounds which would justify me, consistently with my public duty, in authorising the release of any of the persons in question. The case of every such person is reviewed from time to time, and I authorise continued detention only in those cases where I am satisfied that it is necessary in the interests of national security.