§ 48. Mr. Keelingasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will reconsider the application of an English woman to visit her mother in Hamburg, who is aged 73, nearly blind, and who can be reached by sea.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)In view of the conditions in Germany, which are still very difficult, it is not possible to allow private persons to visit the British Zone. I am, however, considering whether an exception can be made in compassionate cases and I will let the hon. Member know when a decision has been reached.
§ Mr. KeelingWill the Chancellor of the Duchy give an assurance that each of these applications will be considered on its merits, intelligently,. humanely and sym pathetically, and not merely by rule of thumb?
§ Mr. HyndI have not given any assurance that the door can be opened. I am considering whether exceptions can be made for compassionate cases, and if such concessions are made, of course applications will be dealt with on the strength of the compassionate claim.