asked the Attorney-General whether steps will be taken to transfer the case of Lieut.-Colonel Rocke, who is alleged to have given aid and comfort to the King's enemies in Italy, from the military authorities to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a view to ascertaining the desirability of instituting proceedings for high treason.

I understand that Colonel Rocke has been arrested and is being held by the Security Branch of the Allied Control Commission in Rome while his case is being thoroughly investigated. Until the result of this investigation is available, my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not possible to make any statement.

While I do not ask for any statement about the merits of the case, does not the hon. and learned Gentleman realise that this case is bound to be one of a series, some of which will affect people under military law and some of which will affect people under the ordinary law; and is it not desirable to put the whole lot under the Director of Public Prosecutions, rather than some under military authorities and some under his own Department?

The stage at which a case is placed before the Director of Public Prosecutions must, as my hon. Friend knows, depend on the circumstances of each case. I have explained the position in which this case is, and the point which my hon. Friend seeks to make is being kept closely under examination.