§ 24. Viscount CURZONasked the Home Secretary what steps be is taking to prevent an evilly-disposed person obtaining a passport from the Irish passport office in New York, and so obtaining access to this country, which could not be, obtained through the British passport authority in America?
Mr. HENDERSONI think the Noble Lord is referring to the arrangement whereby visas for the journey to the Irish Free State may be granted in New York by a Free State officer. The safeguard for Great Britain lies in the fact that the Free State officer will be in possession of the same information, and, by agreement between the two Governments, will proceed on the same lines in regard to undesirable aliens as his British colleague. I am satisfied that the interests of this country are being duly protected.
§ Viscount CURZONAre we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that he has got a definite working arrangement which will be observed by the Irish Free State Passport Office in Washington and that he will be in consultation with the British Ambassador in Washington?
Mr. HENDERSONWe have a definite arrangement between the two Governments, and the two officers concerned will be in close collaboration.
§ Colonel GRETTONWill an objection raised by the British authorities in Washington be entertained by the Irish Free State Government?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYWill this country be able to share the visa fees paid by those who come to this country after going to the Irish Free State?
§ Sir C. YATEWill any visas be issued without the consent of the British authorities in New York?