MR. T.DUNCOMBEsaid, he would now beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have invited, or intend to invite, the King of the Belgians to follow the example of the Emperor of France by dispensing with Passports on the part of British Subjects visiting Belgium?
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLSir, the answer I have to give is that without any invitation on the part of the British Government a modification has been made by the Belgian Government with respect to Passports in Belgium. On the 4th February a despatch was received from Lord Howard de Walden stating that new Passport Regulations had been made, purporting to relieve any persons travelling to Belgium from the annoyance and trouble of getting Passports; but any persons remaining in Belgium will be obliged to have some proof of their nationality. So far, therefore, as travellers are concerned the necessity for Passports is abolished.