HC Deb 04 July 1957 vol 572 c1283
18. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority and for what purpose British subjects leaving the United Kingdom by sea are asked to produce passports for examination by officials of his Department.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Adult persons leaving this country, whether British subjects or not, are required by the Aliens Order, 1953, to produce adequate evidence of identity and nationality; and the most readily available evidence is a valid passport.

Mr. Bell

What is the object of their being required to do this, inasmuch as any British subject obviously has an inherent right to leave this country whenever he wants to? Will the right hon. Gentleman withdraw the Order?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. It is simply a case of identification. The hon. Member is correct in saying that there is no power to refuse a British subject leave to embark. Therefore, it is simply a case of establishing identity.