HC Deb 24 July 1947 vol 440 c167W
Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will authorise the British Passport Control Officer in Germany to grant short-term visas to German nationals who have a known record of active opposition to Nazism and have proved themselves friendly towards the allied cause or who have been the victims of racial, religious or political persecution, provided that friends or relatives in this country give a guarantee of accommodation and maintenance during their visit.

Mr. Ede

When a short-term visit is contemplated and not residence here for an indefinite period, it is my practice to authorise the Passport Control Officer in Germany in suitable cases to grant visas to German nationals for the purpose of journeys to this country. In such cases the Passport Control Officer advises the applicant as to the procedure for obtaining the necessary permission to leave and to return to Germany. The fact that an individual has been granted authority to visit the United Kingdom does not, however, necessarily entitle him to an exit permit to leave Germany, nor does it entitle him to transport at Government expense.