§ 2. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the amount received in this country by the issue of passports to British citizens during the year 1919?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe amount received was £61,290. This sum includes fees received from the renewal and endorsement of passports in addition to fees received from the issue of passports.
§ 3.Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of the fact that the visâ system may be continued by various countries beyond the period of its utility on account of the revenue it produces, His Majesty's Government can see its way to bring before the Allied nations, through our representatives in the various capitals, the suggestion that if the visâ is to be continued it should be imposed without cost to members of the travelling public.
Mr. HARMSWORTHHis Majesty's Government will be prepared, if necessary, to consider the advisability of the action suggested in this question, when the visâ system has in their opinion ceased to serve a useful purpose.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir S. HOARECannot the hon. Gentleman have this matter brought before the Council of Ambassadors in Paris, seeing that the visâsystem is most inconvenient and yet appears to serve no useful purpose?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI will consider that, but I am doubtful whether it is a suitable subject for the Council of Ambassadors.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINSeeing that His Majesty's Government have set such a good example, would it not be possible for them to persuade the other nations to follow that example?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI can assure my hon. Friend and the House that this matter is engaging the careful attention of the Foreign Office, and is reviewed from time to time.