HC Deb 11 December 1952 vol 509 c642
8. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, for the duration of hostilities in Korea, he will make an order requiring the issue of a special permit to any British subject who desires to travel to China or North Korea.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have no power to make such an order.

Brigadier Rayner

Cannot my right hon. and learned Friend ask for special powers? Is it not intolerable that British nationals should be able to go behind the lines of the infantry who are fighting our own troops, and behind the guns that are firing at them, without any sort of control on their movements?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

That is another question, of which I should like notice.

Mr. Ede

Will the Home Secretary bear in mind that any legislation giving him these powers would be most fiercely resisted?