§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, owing to the fact that no passport will be issued before a shipping coupon can be produced, and the brief notice which is given to an intending passenger before a vessel sails, it is practically impossible to obtain a passport in the short time allowed; and whether he will consider some modification of existing regulations?
§ Sir J. AndersonI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the grant of exit permits, which are not issued unless the 29W applicants produce evidence to show that they have made a provisional reservation of accommodation with a shipping company. This arrangement has been made to ensure that exit permits for journeys overseas are not granted in excess of the shipping accommodation available. The shipping companies allow intending passengers to make their reservations well in advance of the date on which they wish to travel, and the exit permits are valid for two months from the date on which they are issued. I should not feel justified in making any change in the existing arrangements, which are in the interests of all concerned and are understood to he working satisfactorily.