§ Sir G. Manderasked the Attorney-General what action it is proposed to take in the case of William Joyce, now in our hands.
he Attorney-GeneralAs I stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on 31st May, it is the firm intention of His Majesty's Government to bring to trial as speedily as possible British nationals, amongst whom William Joyce is one, who have broadcast enemy propaganda, but that the collection of documentary evidence and the assembling of witnesses may take a short time. In the case of William Joyce, unless any unforeseen circumstances should arise, the prosecution will commence before the end of this month. I would add that, as it has been decided to prosecute William Joyce, any comment on the possible charges, evidence and defence which would be likely to prejudice a fair trial would be a contempt of court.
§ Mr. Dribergasked the Attorney-General if, now that the war in Europe is over and considerations of military security are less urgent, he will allow to be published the full report of the trial, in camera, of Tyler Kent and Anna Wolkoff.
The Attorney-GeneralThe documents, including the transcript of the evidence, in this case are the subject of an Order of the High Court under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, and I have no authority to order their production.