§ 14. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to take any action to the effect that passports for British 492 subjects once granted should be free from renewal within at least a period of seven years?
§ Mr. PONSONBYThe arrangements for extending the period of validity of British passports from two to five years which were announced in answer to questions during the last part of the Session are now complete, and will come into force on the 1st December next. On and after that date, passports will also be renewable for five years up to a maximum period of ten years from the original date of issue.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINIs the passport to be renewable without any additional expense to the holder?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn the granting of passports, is any differentiation made between rich and poor people?
§ Mr. PONSONBYNo, Sir; there is no differentiation whatever between rich and poor.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLWill passports already issued be automatically extended for the period to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, or will the period be increased only in case of new passports?
§ Mr. PONSONBYPerhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill the hon. Gentleman tell the House what useful purpose is served by passports?