§ 73. Brigadier-General Spearsasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that commercial travellers and representatives of business firms coming to this country to transact business which can be done in a few hours, frequently have to waste anything up to a week before they can obtain an exit visa; and whether, in view of the importance of facilitating the trade of this country, he will consider making some special arrangement which will obviate these, delays to business people?
§ Sir J. AndersonI fully appreciate the inconvenience which may be caused to foreign visitors by the precautions required on security grounds in time of war, 1403 and I am anxious that such inconvenience shall be reduced to a minimum. I am considering what arrangements can be made to ensure the more expeditious issue of permits to foreign business men who come to this country for short visits.
§ Brigadier-General SpearsWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that these people sometimes have to spend many days here over business which might be done in a few hours?
§ Sir J. AndersonI realise the importance of doing everything possible to facilitate matters.