§ 1. Mr. O'LEARYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state on what grounds a passport to America was refused to Miss Nugent, of 58, Eccles Street, Dublin, seeing that her home and business are in America, and that she came to Ireland only for the purpose of visiting her relations; and whether he will now advise the proper authorities to issue her a passport forthwith?
§ The MINISTER of BLOCKADE (Lord Robert Cecil)Passports cannot be granted at the present time for women or children to travel oversea save in exceptional cases of urgent necessity. Miss Nugent has, however, been informed that if she will renew her application later OIL the passport will he granted at the earliest available opportunity.
§ Mr. JOYCEWill the Noble Lord say when the restrictions will be raised on the emigration of women to America?
§ Lord R. CECILI could not say that. It does not rest with the Foreign Office.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs the Noble Lord aware that there is a great number of cases in Ireland in which that reply has been given and nothing has been done?
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs it not in the interests of the safety of the women and children themselves that these passports have been prohibited?
§ Lord R. CECILThe prohibition is imposed by other offices, and not by the Foreign Office. I have no doubt that that was one of the considerations.
§ Mr. JOYCEWill the Noble Lord have the matter looked into with a view to having the restriction raised, so that women may be able to go out to their friends in America who want them there?
§ Lord R. CECILI would venture to suggest that the hon. Member should put a question to the Leader of the House on this point. I am not really in a position to deal with it.