HC Deb 15 July 1949 vol 467 cc41-2W
Mr. Mitchison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs about how long it takes the Military Permit Office to deal with applications for permits to visit the British Zone in Germany; and when Mr. Watson, 207, Stamford Road, Kettering, may expect a decision on the application he made on 17th June, enclosing his passport and the appropriate fee?

Mr. Mayhew

Mr. Watson's passport endorsed with the entry permit was returned to him on 13th July. I regret the delay. Whereas previously a period of about a week sufficed for the issue of most permits, the recent opening of Western Germany to tourists resulted in a temporary congestion. Under new arrangements which have now been introduced, on most applications made by personal visit to the office, the permit can be issued within a few hours and on postal applications within two days. I am, however, sorry to say that there are some accumulated arrears, which, it is hoped, will be cleared under the new arrangements in a week or two.