HC Deb 18 July 1940 vol 363 c403
Sir Henry Morris-Jones

On Tuesday last my right hon. Friend the Secretary for War stated, in reply to a Supplementary Question by me, that to-day a statement would be made—

Mr. Speaker

I was just about to call upon the right hon. Member to make it.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Eden)

I promised, in reply to a Question on Tuesday last, to make a statement today on the arrangements to be made for the issue of passes to hon. Members to facilitate the performance of their Parliamentary duties in the event of the interruption of normal travelling facilities. I have arranged that hon. Members who so desire can obtain from the Serjeant-at-Arms on and after Monday next a military identity card, which the holder will be asked to complete, and to which should be affixed the holder's photograph. The card will then be stamped, and signed by the Serjeant-at-Arms. The cards will facilitate passage through road blocks, and entry, so far as military requirements permit, into defence areas. They will also ensure free passage in grave emergency, so far as war conditions permit, to and from the Houses of Parliament. They will not give access to roads reserved for military use or to guarded places where special duty passes are necessary.