§ Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions have been given giving greater discretionary powers to consuls to issue visas in countries where "Come to Britain" campaigns have been inaugurated; for how long a period consuls have now discretion to grant a visa; and when these instructions were issued.
§ Mr. EdeI arranged in October for His Majesty's consular and passport control officers who are authorised to grant visas to be advised that in 1947 they would have discretion to grant, without reference to me, visas for the journey to the United Kingdom for the purpose of visits for business or pleasure: and full instructions were issued on nth November. As regards the second part of the Question, a visa is not a permit to enter this country or to stay for any particular period. The time for which a foreigner may stay here depends upon his reasons for coming here, as explained by him to the immigration officer when he applies for leave to land.