HC Deb 08 March 1920 vol 126 cc905-6
62. Sir H. BRITTA IN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the time has now arrived for this country to dispense with the visé for British subjects carrying British passports returning to Great Britain?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Under the Regulations now in force, British subjects in possession of British passports travelling to the United Kingdom do not require a British visé, and the Regulation which formerly made such a visé necessary was abolished about a year ago. Where, in order to comply with the requirements of a foreign Government through whose territory a British subject is desirous of travelling en route for the United Kingdom, it is necessary for the traveller to obtain a British endorsement on his passport, such endorsement is given gratis on application.

Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

In view of the expression of opinion in the House on Thursday night, will the Government make representations to the French and other Governments to abolish the visé system as soon as possible?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

There is no visé system in so far as British subjects are concerned who are returning from abroad.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Going?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

That is a matter for foreign countries. In so far as the British Government are concerned, they are prepared to meet any foreign country in making international travelling as simple and as easy as possible.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Will the hon. Gentleman lead the way?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Will you abolish the endorsement as well as the visé?

Lord R. CECIL

Does the hon. Gentleman not think the time has arrived to review the whole question of the visé, and will he see that it is put on a peace basis and not a war basis?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I can assure my Noble Friend that the passport system, as far as the British Government is concerned, is now on a peace basis. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"] The difficulty is in reference to foreign countries. A British passport system also is an essential as long as the Aliens Act remains on the Statute Book.

Lord R. CECIL

May I ask if the hon. Gentleman will inquire into certain cases showing that it is very far from the fact that the passport system is on a peace basis?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I shall have the greatest pleasure in looking at any case, and I promise if there is any hardship that if it is within the power of the Foreign Office it will do its best to remedy it.