41. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Prime Minister whether responsibility for the administration of the passport system is now divided between the Home Office and a branch of the Military Intelligence Department of the War Office; how many officers are employed in this branch, and at what annual cost; and whether this arrangement, which was instituted for military purposes during the War, will now be brought to an end, so that passports may be dealt with entirely by the Home Office?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe issue of British passports and the administration of the passport system is under the control of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who consults other Departments in cases where he thinks advisable. The arrangement during the War of a system of military permits controlled by the War Office acting in co-operation with the Home Office, was brought to an end in October last; and military permits are now only required in the case of persons wishing to enter areas in British military occupation.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSIs there not still a large staff at the War Office in the Military Intelligence Department engaged in this work?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think not, but I should like notice of that question.