§ 32. Mr. GILBERTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to relax in any way the conditions on which passports are issued to British subjects proceeding to the Continent now that Peace terms have been signed; and, if so, will he state what the new conditions will be and from what date they will be brought into effect?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODNo restrictions are now imposed on the issue of passports for British subjects to proceed to the Continent provided they do not contemplate entering the enemy countries.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs my hon. Friend aware of the time it takes to get a passport now before you can get all the formalities completed, and that on returning to this country people are penned like sheep for an hour before they can get their passports examined at Boulogne and that the greatest inconvenience is suffered?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODAs far as the examination of returning passengers at Boulogne is concerned, I cannot give any answer to that. As far as the issue of passports is concerned, in this country everything possible is done to expedite the issue and minimise the inconvenience of applicants.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill my hon. Friend consider the possibility of English citizens returning to this country without having this delay, because that is the moat inconvenient thing? Would it not be possible to examine the passports of aliens coming to this country and to exempt English people from these intolerable delays?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am sure my; hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me to give an answer on. a question like that. As one who has travelled recently on the Continent, I can say that whatever inspection is now required it is justified.
Sir J. D. REESWill the hon. Baronet represent to the Secretary of State that 2091 getting a passport is still rather like undergoing an -operation? Will he endeavour to simplify that tiresome process?
§ Mr. G. TERRELLWill the hon. Baronet hurry up the viséing of passports? A great part of the day is wasted in getting a passport viséd.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODWith regard to the complaint as to the issuing of passports, that is not a matter solely concerned with the British Government, but With the representatives of foreign Governments as well.
§ Colonel YATEHow long did it take the hon. Baronet to get his own passport?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill my hon. Friend try making a trip to Paris without a diplomatic passport?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODAs soon as my official duties will permit me I shall be delighted.