§ 1. Mr. NIELDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the injustice and injury occasioned to foreigners, the subjects of Allied and neutral countries resident in this country, consequent on insufficient inquiry as to their status, the danger of relying on ex parte statements, and the far-reaching prejudice to traders of withholding from them permits to trade in England or to 209 leave the country, he will appoint a tribunal, consisting of three Members of this House, to hear applications of appeal from the decisions of the War Trade Department, with power to revise or to confirm the same; and whether he will accelerate the action of the Department in considering applications for permits and accord traders against whom adverse reports may be made by the police the opportunity of being heard personally, or by their professional advisers, prior to the Department and the tribunal proposed granting or rejecting such applications?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMAN (Lord of the Treasury)I am not quite sure whether I understand the precise nature of the difficulties to which the hon. Member refers, but if he will give me the details of one or two of the cases which he has in mind I will make inquiries and communicate with him. I much doubt, however, whether these are matters which fall within the province of the War Trade Department.