HC Deb 19 April 1920 vol 128 cc30-1
47. Lieut. - Colonel W. GUINNESS

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state how many bureaux de control or passport offices now exist; how many officials are employed; what revenue is received from fees; and what is the total cost.

Mr. HARMSWORTH

There are twenty Passport Control Offices and five Sub-Passport Control Offices. All salaried British Consular Officers also are authorised to grant visas to persons wishing to enter British territory. One hundred and twenty-seven persons are employed in this service. The revenue received from fees is approximately £6,700 a month. The expenditure for the first three months of the year was at the average rate of £5,461 a month.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Is it not a fact that the present system, though it is a great inconvenience and expense to the travelling public, is really no effective prevention of undesirable immigration, and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to represent to foreign countries that this system may be amended or relaxed?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

My information is quite otherwise, but I will make inquiries.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir S. HOARE

Do the hon. Gentleman's figures include the many officers under the War Office who engage in this work?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I think so, but I should not like to answer that offhand.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

May I ask whether the Government have not totally disregarded the feeling of this House expressed in Debate a short time ago?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

In what respect?

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

In respect of the abolition of the visas.

Sir S. HOARE

As there is a good deal of feeling on this subject, will the hon. Gentleman appoint a small Committee to inquire into the whole question, and see whether great reductions might not be made in this service?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I will certainly make representations to that effect.