HC Deb 20 February 1930 vol 235 cc1567-8
41. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the abuse of weekend tickets for the Continent by which anyone can enter this country without a passport; and whether he is taking any steps to prevent this abuse of a privilege?

Mr. CLYNES

I have seen a recent article in the Press in which it is alleged that there is abuse of the special arrangements whereby passports may be dispensed with in connection with cross-channel excursion traffic. The arrangements are under close and continual supervision, and I am satisfied that the utmost vigilance is exercised by experienced officers at the ports to secure that the facilities granted to excursionists are not abused.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how it is possible if a person who takes a return ticket and gets rid of it to someone who goes to Paris to check the person who comes back with the original ticket which has been issued?

Mr. CLYNES

I can only say that I personally have watched and inspected the process of the incoming excursionists, and I am satisfied that every precaution is taken to see that the law is complied with.