HC Deb 06 November 1929 vol 231 cc1013-4
2. Mr. MATTERS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to abolish the present system of passports or at an early date materially to modify that system in the interests of the travelling public?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

Passports are provided by His Majesty's Government to enable a British subject who wishes to travel abroad to satisfy the authorities of foreign countries as to his identity. So long as it is necessary to control immigration into this country, they also enable the British Immigration authorities to distinguish British subjects returning to the United Kingdom. Every effort has been made to simplify the necessary procedure. If, however, my hon. Friend will communicate to me any particular suggestion which he has in mind, I shall be pleased to consider it.

Mr. HARRIS

Seeing that we were able to do without passports before the War, would it not be a good celebration of the new peace atmosphere to return to pre-War practice?

Mr. HENDERSON

Not so long as we have 1,200,000 people out of employment.

Mr. HARRIS

Is it not possible to stop foreigners coming into this country without having passports for our own subjects?