§ 43. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that Belgium has dispensed with the necessity for the visa on passports, and France has just decided to reciprocate, he will recommend that similar action be taken by this country with regard, at any rate, to our two nearest Allies?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The Belgian Government has decided to dispense with the necessity for visas for French 444 and American citizens and for Japanese, Italian, Luxemburg, and British subjects, but I have no information that the French Government have decided on similar action. His Majesty's Government do not at present propose to abolish the Regulation by which all aliens are required to obtain British visas before entering the United Kingdom.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the right hon. Gentleman, when he has time, give his attention to this subject, the result of which would be to give intense satisfaction to our Allies in France?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf France and Belgium can do away with these very irritating and expensive hindrances to trade and travel, why on earth cannot we do the same?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am sure my hon. Friend appreciates that while these Regulations are somewhat inconvenient in certain cases, there are a good many other considerations.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINDo they not equally apply to Belgium, which is able to do without them?
§ Colonel ASHLEYCan the hon. Gentleman answer my question why, if it is unnecessary in France and Belgium, it should be necessary in this country? What are the different circumstances?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay we know whether the objections in this country come from the Home Office and Sir Basil Thomson's Department?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs it not a fact that this visa system here is necessitated by the terms of the Aliens Act passed by this House last year?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI think that is so.
§ 82. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs' whether he has any information as to the recent statements that the United States Government has decided to dispense with the necessity of passports for American citizens leaving or returning to their country?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have no information on the subject, but I am making enquiries at Washington.