§ 1. Mr. SPOORasked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that requests to send German press representatives to London have been made to the British Government by three German newspapers of high standing and that up to a recent date no answer or even acknowledgment of these requests had been given; whether the Government had considered the question of allowing press correspondents from ex-enemy countries to visit this country; whether a decision has been reached; and what action it is proposed to take?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have received through the British representative in Berlin one application by a German newspaper for permission to send a German correspondent to this country. It is now being considered. I am not aware that any other application from a German newspaper has reached the Government. I have considered, in consultation with the proper authorities, the general question of allowing press correspondents from former enemy countries to come to this country, and have decided that if the application is made by a newspaper of standing in its own country, and the individual is not an alien whose presence in this country is undesirable, he may be admitted under suitable conditions.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYHow long will the restrictions be imposed on press representatives coming from Germany?
§ Mr. SHORTTSo long as the correspondents are former enemy aliens they are subject to the Act of Parliament.