§ Mr. Mitchisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs about how long it takes the Military Permit Office to deal with applications for permits to visit the British Zone in Germany; and when Mr. Watson, 207, Stamford Road, Kettering, may expect a decision on the application he made on 17th June, enclosing his passport and the appropriate fee?
§ Mr. MayhewMr. Watson's passport endorsed with the entry permit was returned to him on 13th July. I regret the delay. Whereas previously a period of about a week sufficed for the issue of most permits, the recent opening of Western Germany to tourists resulted in a temporary congestion. Under new arrangements which have now been introduced, on most applications made by42W personal visit to the office, the permit can be issued within a few hours and on postal applications within two days. I am, however, sorry to say that there are some accumulated arrears, which, it is hoped, will be cleared under the new arrangements in a week or two.