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Travel To India (Women And Children)

Volume 390: debated on Tuesday 1 June 1943

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asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that wives of civilians, resident in India, have been waiting for passages from England to rejoin their husbands for nearly three years, although at the same time passages have been given to wives of men going to India for temporary employment only; and whether he will grant the necessary passage facilities required for about 200 women?

In April, 1942, the Government of India decided to impose a ban on the entry of European women and children into India because of the military situation in the East. Prior to that time the numbers who were able to travel to India were small as priority had to be given to persons required in India for the war effort and essential Government purposes. Exceptions had, however, to be made in the case of the families of certain civilian technicians whose services were essential for war production in India and who made this a condition of appointment. The hardships involved in the separation of families are recognised and regretted, but unfortunately hardship is a matter of general experience while the war lasts. The matter is under consideration in the light of present conditions. But Whatever policy is decided upon, I fear that the possibilities will continue to be severely restricted by shortage of accommodation.