§ 1. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that inquiries are being made by the British passport office authorities from British male subjects who desire to proceed to the British Dominions and Colonies as to whether their wives are acquainted with their intended visit, and that they are also further requested to obtain and present with the application for passports a letter from the wife that she is agreeable to the husband proceeding abroad; and will he give particulars of the necessity of making these inquiries?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)Yes, Sir. In the case of emigrants, inquiries are made with a view to ascertaining that proper provision has been made for the maintenance of wives and families.
§ Mr. DAYDoes the same regulation apply to very well-known artists who are going to our Colonies, earning very large salaries?
§ Mr. DALTONI think in such cases the authorities would exercise their discretion. Where it is clear that the wives and families would be provided for, I do not suppose that inquiries would be made.
§ Colonel ASHLEYI suppose this only applies to emigrants and not to ordinary visitors?
§ Mr. DALTONThat is the answer I gave. It only applies to emigrants.