HC Deb 09 November 1944 vol 404 cc1528-9
38. Mr. Quintin Hogg

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many applications have been received by his Department for permission to proceed to France on business grounds; how many have been granted; and how many individuals have in fact been able to travel.

Mr. Harcourt Johnstone (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I will, with the permission of the House, make a rather longer statement on this Question than is normally given in an Oral answer.

The grant of exit permits is made by the Passport and Permit Office on behalf of the Home Office, after consultation in each individual case with a number of Government Departments. It is a fundamental condition that every application shall be sponsored by a Government Department, and, in the case of journeys to France for business reasons, this sponsorship is usually a matter for my Department. Such support is not, however, a guarantee that an exit permit will be granted, since other factors have to be taken into account. For instance, the Foreign Exchange Control must be consulted. In addition, visas must be secured by the applicant from the French Consul-General, who must refer practically every case to Paris. Finally, arrangements must be made with the Ministry of War Transport or the Air Ministry for a passage, again usually on the recommendation of the original sponsoring Department.

As stated in my answer to the Noble Lady, the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Viscountess Davidson), on 10th October and confirmed in the announcement appearing in the Press on 23rd October, persons desiring to proceed to France on urgent business of national importance were asked to make preliminary application to my Department so that it might be determined whether there was prima-facie evidence that their journey would comply with this condition. No exit permits or facilities to travel could be accorded to business visitors until after the declaration of the "interior" zone published on 23rd October. Up to 8th November, 383 preliminary letters intimating desire to visit France have been received by my Department. Of these, 48 cases were either rejected or referred to other Departments. The remainder were invited to submit formal applications and 76 have done so. My Department has sponsored 51 of these cases. It is understood that approximately half this number of applicants have since applied to the Passport and Permit Office for exit permits. Examination of applications in that Office has been concluded, and exit permits issued in seven cases, five of whom have left for Paris.

Mr. Hogg

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I, in view of the necessity and advantage to both countries of trade with France, ask him to give an assurance that only military security and transport difficulties will hinder the natural intercourse between the two countries?

Mr. Johnstone

So far as is possible, I will certainly do that.

Mr. Petherick

As it appears likely, from the life-work to which we have just listened, that trade relations will not be resumed before 1980, will the right hon. Gentleman get the necessary Departments together and consult with the French Government to see if it is not possible to do something instantly?

Mr. Johnstone

Consultation with the French Government has already been undertaken, and this is the result of it.