§ 65. Sir P. SASSOONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the great incon- 37 venience and loss of time and money caused in business circles and to the general public by the continued necessity for passports for persons visiting France, and in particular of loss caused to Folkestone by the consequent restriction of one of the attractions that before the War took visitors to that place; and whether the time has arrived when pre-War practice in this respect can be reverted to or, if this is not yet possible, whether the necessity of getting duly executed British passports visæd by Foreign consulates can be abolished?
Mr. HARMSWORTHPassports are issued to British subjects without difficulty or delay and are valid for travelling to the countries named for two years without any further British visa. Furthermore, travellers to France can now obtain on application a French visa enabling them to travel to France any number of times for a year without any further visa. Special arrangements have also been made for the excursionist traffic between Folkestone and Boulogne whereby the visa is dispensed with in such cases. The necessity for British subjects obtaining a visa from foreign Consulates is one required by foreign passport regulations.
§ Sir S. ROBERTSAre the passports issued during the War still available?
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYWill the Government approach the French Government with a view to getting the visa system abolished, and will the Government take the expression of opinion of the House on the subject as given constantly in debate?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the hon. Gentleman carry it a stage further and have representations made to all our Allies in reference to these visas?