§ Lord AVEBURYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether a court of inquiry was held to look into allegations concerning the treatment of 2,400 refugees who were sent to Australia in the "Dunera", as stated in the Commons Official Report of 25th February, 1941, col. 483; who were the members of the court; who now has custody of any documents relating to its proceedings; whether those documents are public records, and if so, whether any order has been made concerning them under Section 5(1) of the Public Records Act 1958 and what is the number and date of any such order.
1154WA
§ Lord STRABOLGINo record of any court of inquiry into events on board the troopship "Dunera" in 1940 has survived. However, the outcome of a court martial concerning the "Dunera" held at Chelsea Barracks, London, on 26th and 27th May, 1941, is known, although the full report of the proceedings has been destroyed. The record of the findings of the court is held by the PRO for the Judge Advocate General but is at present closed to the public in accordance with the 75 years' bar on publication of court martial proceedings.
From cols. 33 and 34 of the Commons Official Report, 24th February, 1942, it is clear that a court of inquiry was held. No details are given about its composition, though it is recorded that only one internee was available to give evidence to it. This is the only available evidence relating to the holding of the inquiry, and it must be assumed that the full record of the proceedings was subsequently destroyed in accordance with the rules about disposal of public records applicable at the time.
House adjourned at one minute before midnight.