§ SIR WILLIAM FRASERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether passports are required for British subjects travelling in France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Holland?
§ MR. BOURKESir, I am glad that my hon. and gallant Friend has asked me this Question, as I know many persons intending to travel on the Continent are anxious for information upon the subject at this season of the year. In Austria passports have not been formally abolished, and therefore in that country they are still required by law for travelling purposes. In Italy they have been abolished, but owing to circumstances which have lately occurred, a correspondence is now going on with the Italian Government as to the papers which it is necessary for British subjects to carry in out-of-the-way places. In France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Holland, and Belgium passports have been abolished, therefore for travelling purpose I should say they are not required by law; but for purposes of identification, especially for obtaining letters at the various post-offices, I think travellers will find it convenient to provide themselves with passports even in those latter countries.