HC Deb 23 January 1940 vol 356 c356
18. Mr. Levy

asked the Secretary of State for War who ordered the military precautions which were taken at the port at which Miss Unity Mitford arrived from Germany; what was the reason for the military guard; how many troops were engaged on this special duty; whether they were brought to the port by omnibuses; whether street traffic was partially restricted; and why people who had gone to the port to meet friends and relatives were ordered away from the dockside and told that they must meet these friends and relatives at Victoria Station, London?

27. Mr. Collindridge

asked the Secretary of State for War who was responsible for military escort being given to Miss Unity Mitford when she recently arrived in this country from Germany; and what was the reason for this course being taken, with the consequent waste of public money?

Mr. Stanley

No special military precautions were taken on this occasion. Folkestone Harbour is a "protected place," and as such has been guarded since the outbreak of war. Entry to the dockside is at all times prohibited except to those in possession of a special permit, and no persons with regular permits were refused.

Mr. Levy

Are we to understand that no special precautions were taken, and that no expense of any description was entered into by the Government with regard to the arrival of this young lady?

Mr. Stanley

So far as the military authorities are concerned, I understand that there was none. The only difference was that, although the normal guard was there, two extra sentries were posted for a short time.