§ Mr. Hewlettasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why he gave permits to certain British subjects to go to the United States of America to sell antiques to help our war effort; and whether, as they have sold little or nothing and have avoided returning home for any form of war service, he will take steps to compel these persons to return to this country?
§ Mr. EdenPermits to leave this country for limited periods have been granted to persons, including three or four antique dealers, whose journeys were sponsored by the competent Government Department as being likely to assist our export trade and thus our currency position. If the persons concerned fail to return on the expiry of their permits all possible steps are taken to get them back. British subjects in the United States are subject 1607W to the Selective Service Acts and are thus unlikely to be able to evade war service in the United States as well as in the United Kingdom.