§ 18 and 19. Mr. McKayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is aware that a request was transmitted to the British Embassy on 18th March for a visa for Mademoiselle Avakian to make an urgent visit to a dying relative in this country; that despite repeated applications the visa was not finally issued until 21st March, by which time the relative had died; and why the officials of the Embassy are required to consult with his Department in London on such matters as visas to visit dying relatives;
(2) if he is aware that the British Embassy in Brussels had issued visas to members of the Avakian family on various occasions to enable them to make friendly visits; and why, under such circumstances, immediate action was not taken to grant a visa to Mademoiselle Avakian to meet the unexpected need.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeApplications for United Kingdom visas for a visit to their relative who had been taken ill were made by Madame and Mademoiselle Avakian to the British Embassy in 2329 Brussels on the morning of 19th February. Since the rupture of diplomatic relations with the Persian Government it has been found necessary, as a precautionary measure, to require applications for visas by Persian nationals to be referred to London for decision. This was done immediately by telephone, and after further telephone inquiries had been made by the Aliens Department the grant of visas was authorised, and Madame and Mademoiselle Avakian were informed, on the next day, 20th February.
I am aware that United Kingdom visas had previously been authorised for members of the Avakian family, but this in itself did not provide grounds for departing from the general rule introduced subsequently. I much regret that Madame and Mademoiselle Avakian were not able to reach their relative before she died, but I am satisfied that immediate action was taken at all stages, and I should not feel justified at present in making exceptions to the requirement that applications by Persians for visas should be referred to London for decision.
§ Mr. McKayIs it correct that under no circumstances has the Embassy any power to grant a visa without consulting London? If that is not entirely the case, why was the discretion of the Embassy not used immediately, seeing that this family had had visas before on a few occasions, all the history was known, and it would be filed in the offices? It seems to me that under circumstances, when the information was in the office on the Wednesday, and the dire necessity was there, action ought to have been taken more quickly.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeAs I said, I am very sorry about this case, but I do not think it would be right for me to give a general discretion to override the rule that Persian applications have to be referred to London.