HC Deb 25 June 1951 vol 489 cc999-1000
54. Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will introduce legislation to enable him to control the visits of British subjects to countries against which this country is at war under the aegis of the United Nations.

Mr. Younger

The refusal of a passport would not prevent a person from going to any country which wished to admit him. The only effective way, therefore, of preventing British subjects from leaving this country in order to visit foreign countries would be to re-introduce a system of exit permits, but for this no powers exist.

Mr. Burden

In view of the recent unfortunate episode, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House the assurance that in future any person who is likely to make broadcasts about British troops over foreign wireless systems is unlikely to leave the country if such statements are likely to be to the detriment of British troops fighting under the aegis of the United Nations?

Mr. Younger

I find that proposition totally absurd.

Mr. John Hynd

Will my right hon. Friend take note of the representations from the other side to introduce exit permits?