HC Deb 02 December 1943 vol 395 cc558-9W
Mr. W. Roberts

asked the Home Secretary whether the three new categories of refugees announced on 19th May to be eligible for special consideration for visas were officially made known to the diplomatic and consular representatives of His Majesty's Government abroad; and whether he will call the attention of these representatives to these categories, seeing that they have so far resulted in the issue of only 52 visas, and there is reason to believe that some of these representatives abroad are not aware of, or ignoring them?

Mr. H. Morrison

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the rest, I have no information substantiating the statement made by my hon. Friend, and if he is aware of any case showing that His Majesty's representatives abroad are not aware of, or are ignoring, the new categories, I shall be very ready to inquire into the matter, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Applications for visas under the first and third of the new categories would normally be made not abroad but in this country by, or on behalf of, the children who are here and whose parents desire to join them.