HC Deb 25 January 2000 vol 343 cc219-20W
Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what investigation his Department has undertaken into the war-time activities of Alexander Schweidler; [106828]

(2) when Alexander Schweidler received UK citizenship; and if he will review the information given in the application for naturalisation; [106827]

(3) what police investigations have taken place in relation to Alexander Schweidler under the War Crimes Act 1991; and if he will make a statement. [106829]

Mr. Straw

Mr. Schweidler was granted British citizenship in 1964. I understand that he died on 24 January. His case was one of just under 400 cases involving allegations of offences under the War Crimes Act 1991 investigated by the Metropolitan police service War Crimes Unit during the 1990s. Police investigations into allegations against Mr. Schweidler started in 1994. I understand there was insufficient evidence to support a prosecution. There have been no investigations separate to these.