HC Deb 26 March 1942 vol 378 cc2175-6W
Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Home Secretary how many members of the Metropolitan police are engaged in guard and escort duties over personnel of the Japanese embassy and consulate; and what is the cost of this service weekly?

Mr. H. Morrison

The total number of police officers at present employed in each period of 24 hours on these duties is 59. It is not possible to form any accurate estimate of the cost involved since the officers perform other duties in part of their time. The arrangement is of course a temporary one pending the repatriation of these persons who, while they remain here, are by international usage entitled to reasonable treatment.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider transferring personnel of the Japanese embassy and consulate to an internment camp or other place of detention in order to avoid members of the Metropolitan police being employed for their surveillance?

Mr. Morrison

The members of the Embassy are entitled to the treatment and protection prescribed by international law and custom until it becomes possible for them to leave this country. Meanwhile they and the consular personnel have been concentrated in the Embassy premises in order to simplify the task of the police in looking after them.