§ Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in connection with applications 2060W for passports to South Africa or elsewhere, it is the practice in cases where the applicant is a married woman to require the husband's consent in writing; and, if so, will he state the reason for this?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI find that in a certain number of cases evidence has, in fact, been, asked for that the proposed journey was to be undertaken with the knowledge and consent of the husband. This requirement was instituted by the Chief Passport Officer in view of several protests being received from husbands against the issue of passports which had enabled their wives to leave the country without their (the husband's) knowledge and sometimes in company with other men. With regard to applications for South Africa, such passports are only issued on the recommendation of the High Commissioner for the Union, and it is understood that in the case of married women before making such recommendations he usually requires to see a letter from the husband.