HC Deb 05 April 1922 vol 152 cc2207-8
1. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the European countries which do not now require passports or visas for British travellers who visit such countries for holiday periods, and whether there is any relaxation in any of those countries for short holiday visits?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

In general, all European countries require travellers to possess passports. Special arrangements have been made dispensing with this requirement for day and week-end excursions to Calais, Boulogne, Dieppe and Ostend. British travellers do not require visas for France or Belgium, and will not require visas for Switzerland after 15th April.

Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

Has the same arrangement been made with Holland for the same period?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

No; I do not think any such arrangement has been made with Holland.

Sir A. SHIRLEY BENN

If the visas have been taken off to Switzerland, will they be taken off from Switzerland to England?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

4. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, when a British subject has been duly vouched for and put into possession of a British passport, that passport may be renewed without the necessity of a further recommendation, should the renewal have to be made at some centre where the individual in question is unacquainted with any British subject possessing the requisite qualifications, together with direct personal knowledge of the applicant?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

In such cases a recommendation may be dispensed with at the discretion of the Consular officer.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Would it not be as well to have that printed on the form?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I will consider whether such an instruction can be given.