HC Deb 07 March 1923 vol 161 cc459-60
4. Sir MARTIN CONWAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will endeavour to enter into an arrangement with the Government of Italy for the nationals of the two kingdoms to cross their respective frontiers without the necessity of visas, as is the case already with France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Holland, and especially in view of the well 'known fact that the Italian Government desires this arrangement?

Mr. McNEILL

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Bilston in this House on 21st February last (No. 12).

Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

Is the Government prepared to give facilities for the abolition of visas in any country with which they negotiate?

Mr. McNEILL

If my hon. Friend will refer to the answer to which I have just alluded he will see what has been done.

19. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of years for which a passport holds good without renewal for citizens of the United States of America, for France, and for Belgium; and what the cost of renewal is in each instance?

Mr. McNEILL

United States passports, issued at a charge of 10 dollars, are valid for one year, and can be renewed for a further period of one year free of charge. French passports are valid for one year, at a charge of 12s., Belgian passports, for two years, at a charge of 2s. 3d. They are not renewable.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is there any reason why a passport should have a time limit when it has been granted once?

Mr. McNEILL

That is a conundrum which the hon. Gentleman will, perhaps, put to someone else.

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