HC Deb 25 October 1944 vol 404 cc151-2
20. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are taken to prevent unauthorised passengers entering and travelling by aircraft proceeding between this country and France:

Sir A. Sinclair

All passenger traffic by air between the United Kingdom and France is subject to the control of security officers who are stationed at the terminal airports and are responsible for checking the credentials of passengers..

Mr. Turton

Does not the ease with which Mr. Refitt is able to go by air to and from France, show that something is wrong in that system?

Sir A. Sinclair

I should hesitate to draw any conclusions from these alleged flights until the investigation is complete.

Mr. Turton

Is the Minister taking steps to make inquiries, with a view to preventing Mr. Refitt making similar flights without an exit permit?

Sir A. Sinclair

I thought that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made it clear the other day that a thorough investigation is being made.

Earl Winterton

Would the Secretary of State explain a little more clearly what he means by "under the authority of the security officers"? From whom do they receive their instructions? How is it that people arc constantly boasting that they have been able to get over to France?

Sir A. Sinclair

They receive their instructions from the security authorities, but the station commanders work closely with them.

Earl Wiriterton

Who are the security authorities, and why is there all this mystery about the matter?

Sir A. Sinclair

That question should be addressed to the appropriate Minister. They are not my officers, but we do cooperate with them. I am responsible for the part played by the station commanders in informing these officers about the departure of aircraft carrying civilian passengers from our airports.