§ 3. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the issue of passports for women and children passing overseas is controlled by the Foreign Office or the Admiralty; and which Department is responsible for the increasing stringency of the conditions under which such issue takes place?
§ The ASSISTANT-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord R. Cecil)This is entirely a maritime question. The regulations restricting women and children from travelling through the danger zones are drawn up by the Admiralty. Applications for passports for such journeys are dealt with by an Inter-Departmental Committee, of which the Admiralty representative is chairman and passports are issued by the Foreign Office upon their recommendation only.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIf I put down a question next week will the Noble Lord be prepared to make a more full statement on the subject?
§ Lord R. CECILI think my hon. Friend had much better put his question to the Admiralty, and I have no doubt my right hon. Friend who represents the Admiralty will then be able to give full information.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs not the difficulty solely due to the chivalry which puts women first in the boats?
§ Lord R. CECILI think that is again a question for the Admiralty.
§ Sir H. CRAIKAm I to understand that the Admiralty is the authority rather than the Foreign Office?
§ Lord R. CECILYes, Sir; certainly.