§ 12. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at what date he hopes to make effective the introduction of the five-year British passport?
§ Mr. PONSONBYI am not yet in a position to give any definite date. Various matters connected with such an issue have to be considered and arranged.
§ 13. Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many countries in Europe still insist on visas on British passports; if any negotiations are proceeding with any of these countries in order to obtain their agreement for the withdrawal of such visas; and is the Government prepared to withdraw their demand for British visas if other countries do so?
§ Mr. PONSONBYBritish subjects require visas on their passports for entry into all European countries except France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Spain, Norway and Sweden, and, as from 1st March next, Denmark, His Majesty's Government having concluded with the Governments of these countries arrangements for the mutual abolition of visas. No negotiations are at present proceeding for the extension of these arrangements to other European countries, but His Majesty's Government are, of course, always ready to give all possible consideration to any proposals for this purpose which foreign Governments may desire to submit to them.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill not the British Government itself initiate further proposals to foreign countries? With the exception of early and satisfactory moves 442 in this direction by Belgium and France, we have always shown ourselves ready to give a lead in this direction.
§ Mr. PONSONBYI shall require notice of that question.