§ 65. Sir H. BRITTAINasked why the British Consulate in New York has continued to visa British passports carried by British subjects returning to this country; if instructions were issued for the discontinuance of this inconvenience on 21st May of last year; and whether this matter is still under the control of the War Office as stated on the same occasion?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Harmsworth)Under the regulations of the United States Government all foreigners desirous of leaving America must have their passports endorsed by the local representative of the country to which they belong before permission to depart is given. This provision has, however, lately been modified so that such endorsement is not necessary if the passport has been issued within six months of the date of departure, or if issued previously, has been endorsed within such period. H.M. Consul in New York, therefore, continues to give the endorsement to British subjects who require it in order to comply with the United States regulations, so that they may be able to leave the country. Instructions were given by the War Office on 21st May last that British subjects no longer required a British visa to enable them to enter the United Kingdom. This matter is no longer under the control of the War Office.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIf that is so, why was I assured that it was to be discontinued on the 21st of May last year?
§ 66. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Under, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the statement that the necessity for a British visa on British passports for British subjects returning to the United Kingdom was abolished about a year ago, British subjects returning to England as lately as last week were held up for hours for this purpose; whether he is aware that the French consul at Turin refuses to visa any British passport until the same has been stamped by the British Consul, who charges 16 lira for his trouble; and whether, seeing that it is just as difficult to obtain a British endorsement on a passport as a visa, and that there appears to be nothing given gratis on application, he will make further enquiries?
Mr. HARMSWORTHUnder the regulations of the French Government all foreigners desirous of travelling through France en route from Italy to the United Kingdom must have their passports endorsed by the local representative of the country to which they belong before the French visa is given. Our Regulations provide that in such oases the British endorsement should be given gratis and without delay. Enquiries are being made as to the circumstances under which British subjects were delayed for hours owing to the necessity of obtaining the British endorsement and as to why a charge of 16 lira was made for such endorsement by H.M. Consul at Turin.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYHas the Parliamentary Secretary conveyed the feeling of this Houe on this subject to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and is he making representations to other Governments with a view to abolishing the system?
§ Mr. G. TERRELLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, in consequence of this system, people are leaving this country and going to France and they are afterwards held up at Calais and then they are sent back? A case of this kind occurred as late as yesterday.