§ 50. Mr. Bellengerasked the Prime Minister whether any action is to be taken in respect of those individuals of British nationality, particularly those of military age, who have evaded their duties as citizens, by voluntarily evacuating themselves to neutral countries overseas?
§ Mr. AttleeI have no reason to suppose that many British subjects are evading their duties in the manner suggested. Departure from this country is subject to control, under the exit permit system; and, in the case of British subjects liable to military service, exit permits are granted only after consultation with the Ministry of Labour, who are responsible for the administration of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act.
§ Mr. BellengerIs any check kept on these individuals, and are these permits issued for a period, so that they can be brought back if necessary, if they decide to evade their obligations as citizens?
§ Mr. AttleeIn cases of persons of military age, exit permits are sometimes granted, subject to conditions designed to secure that the liability to military service will not be evaded.