HC Deb 25 April 1911 vol 24 cc1565-6
Sir WILLIAM BULL

asked whether British subjects taking up residence in Germany or remaining in that country beyond a specified time are obliged to supply certain particulars concerning themselves to the police; whether he can say what the particulars thus required to be furnished are; and whether any complaints have been received from British subjects as to the inconvenience or loss caused to them by supplying such particulars to the German authorities?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

British subjects, in common with all other aliens sojourning in the German Empire for more than three weeks, are required to produce a passport as evidence of identity. The only cases of inconvenience occasioned to British subjects that have been brought to my notice have been due to their not having provided themselves with the required passport, which can always be obtained on producing the necessary evidence of their national status from the nearest British Consular Officer, at the cost of a few shillings.

Mr. ERNEST JARDINE

Will the Foreign Secretary make arrangements to have British Consuls in Germany who can speak English? It is very awkward for English workmen to have to go to a German who cannot speak English.

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

If the hon. Member will bring to my notice the name of any British Consul who cannot speak English I shall be glad.

Sir WILLIAM BULL

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can say in what countries British subjects taking up residence or remaining within the boundaries of the state for a certain period are required to register themselves with the police, or supply to the police or other authorities certain particulars with regard to themselves; and whether these requirements operating in the case of British subjects have given rise to any substantiated complaint as to inconvenience or loss?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am forwarding to the hon. Member a statement which has been prepared in the Foreign Office, and which I may add is also reproduced in the Continental Bradshaw's Guide, which sets out the requirements of foreign countries in regard to British subjects resorting thereto or residing therein. With the exception of occasional complaints by persons of the Jewish faith in regard to the passport requirements of the Russian Government, I am not aware of any substantial inconvenience or loss having been occasioned by the observance of the conditions imposed in foreign countries.