§ 7. Mr. JAMES HOPEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether permits to visit Boulogne even on public business can only be obtained through the base commandant; whether permits to 1238 visit wounded relations in the military zone can only be obtained through the medical commandants of hospitals; and what means are available for ascertaining in what hospitals individual patients may be found, and how application to the medical commandants should be made?
§ Mr. TENNANTPermits for British subjects to visit Boulogne or to visit wounded relations in the military zone can only be obtained through the permit officer, Downing Street. The notification of the hospital in which a wounded officer or soldier is lying is made from the War Office or from the Record Office. Under present regulations relatives must produce to the Permit Office the telegram from the War Office or Record Office saying that the officer or soldier is dangerously wounded.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that at the Permit Office the information given is that these permits must be obtained at Boulogne in the case of anyone wanting to go there?
§ Mr. TENNANTI was not aware of that, and I think the proper procedure is the one I have just read out.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will give careful consideration to this case, in view of the great anxiety of relatives, and the possibility, at any rate, that under the existing procedure they will not be able to get their permits until after their relatives are dead?
§ Mr. TENNANTOf course, I thoroughly appreciate the anxiety of the relatives, and I am most anxious to do what is in my power. I will look into the question of the Noble Lord.