HC Deb 08 June 1915 vol 72 cc157-8
2. Mr. HUGH LAW

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the most recent requirements as to passports, visé, and any other permits or papers required to be produced by relatives of wounded officers desirous of visiting them at the base hospitals in France?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

British subjects wishing to travel to France must first obtain passports from the Passport Office, for which application should be made in the proper form, which can be obtained either from the Passport Office or from any of the banks, shipping offices, or other agencies. Duplicate photographs of the applicant are required. The passport must then be presented in person at the French Bureau des Passeports, 18, Bedford Square, for the necessary visa, which must be obtained not more than three days from the date of departure. If the hospital to be visited is situated within the "zone of the Armies," a permit must be obtained from the Permit Office before the passport is taken to the French Bureau for the visa. The requirements have been recently published in the Press, and have also been circulated to town clerks throughout the country.

Mr. HUGH LAW

Has there been any relaxation in the passport requirements in these particular cases? I ask that question because statements to the contrary have recently been made in the Press, and it is important to these people to know clearly what the position is.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

If the hon. Member asks whether there has been any relaxation in the cases of relatives visiting wounded officers, so far as I know no relaxation has taken place, except that on the production of a telegram signed by the commanding officer at the hospital in which the wounded man is the permission is granted.

Mr. HUGH LAW

Then it is necessary. The permission in itself does not relieve them of the necessity to have a passport. That statement was made.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

The hon. Gentleman is quite right. It is necessary to have a passport, the permission, and the visa in every case.

12. Mr. HUGH LAW

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state precisely what permits (if any), other than passport and visé of the French Consul, are required to be produced by relatives of wounded officers for the purpose of visiting them in base hospitals in France; and whether such permits are forwarded direct to relatives by the hospital authorities?

The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

The rules on this subject were fully set out in a communiqué which appeared in the Press on the 29th May. It is too long to read out now, but I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.