HC Deb 20 April 1939 vol 346 cc491-2
38. Sir Ralph Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the cost and time occupied by the police in London and elsewhere, he will consider, as a special measure to be taken in conjunction with the Government of Eire, the institution of a system of passes or passports, in order that there may be some control over persons leaving Eire who are known to, or suspected by, the police, yet whose movements cannot be interfered with until after an offence has been committed?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

The suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's question has not been overlooked, but any such proposal raises a number of considerations which require careful examination, and it is not at present possible to say whether such a measure as he proposes would be practicable and advantageous.

Sir R. Glyn

Is there any possibility of bringing in some regulations to protect British property, in view of the great danger which at present exists?

Sir S. Hoare

That is a different question. This question deals with passports. The difficulty with passports is that the control of passports is not of much use unless you have the powers of refusal of entry and of deportation.

Sir R. Glyn

Does my right hon. Friend propose to take steps to deal with this matter, which is causing great anxiety at the moment?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir; I have it constantly in mind. The difficulty is to find the best method of dealing with it.