HC Deb 20 April 1939 vol 346 cc495-6
44. Sir A. Wilson

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens present themselves every week on the average at Bow Street police station; whether he is aware that the long waiting queues which they form arouse most unfavourable comments; and whether he can arrange for their reception in some less public place?

54. Mr. Hepworth

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the daily long queue of aliens at the Aliens Registration Office; and whether he will consider a system of decentralising passport examination?

Sir S. Hoare

The average weekly number of aliens calling at this office during recent weeks has been over 3,000, and it has been necessary at times to arrange a queue of waiting people extending into a little frequented thoroughfare adjoining the office. The desirability of improving the existing arrangements has not been overlooked, but the difficulties created by the present abnormal situation are great, and hitherto it has not been possible to obviate these difficulties. Efforts are still being made for this purpose.