§ 36. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the case of those few former German prisoners who were engaged to British women prior to 31st August last, but were unable to arrange a marriage ceremony prior to the date before which their application to stay here would receive special consideration, he will accept appeals against his decision to return them to Germany against their will.
§ Mr. EdeProvided that application is made at once, I am ready to consider on its merits any case in which a marriage ceremony has been fixed for a date before the last repatriation sailing.
§ Mr. StokesCan I ask my right hon. Friend what he means by "at once"? Does it mean in a fortnight?
§ Mr. EdeAt the earliest possible moment in any given case. I understand that the last date fixed for repatriation is 13th December and clearly, if these applications are to be made and considered, in view of the few days there are between now and 13th December, the sooner they are in, the better.