§ 69. Sir MARTIN CONWAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the revenue last year derived from the issue of passports and visas, respectively; what was the expense incurred in that issue; and can any estimate be made of the expense incurred by British subjects in obtaining foreign visas?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe sum received in respect of passport fees in 1924–25 was £106,756, while the sum of £136,630 was collected by passport control officers abroad in respect of visas. In addition an amount which is included in the general receipts from consular fees and which cannot be stated separately was levied by consular officers for this service. The cost of the Passport Office for the year in question was £73,700, and of the Passport Control Service £41,646. It is not possible to form any estimate of the expenses incurred by British subjects in obtaining foreign visas.
§ Sir M. CONWAYIs it not a fact that it has been officially stated often on behalf of the Government that it is not the desire of the Government to raise revenue out of fees for passports and visas, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, having regard to the considerable profit which seems to be disclosed 1535 by these figures, it is the intention of the Government to make any reduction in the cost to persons desiring passports or visas?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI cannot answer as to what has been frequently stated on behalf of different Governments, without notice. I should be sorry to say that it was contrary to the policy of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to get a little revenue where he can, without injury to public affairs. I doubt whether any reduction is possible without laying the State open to a charge which ought not to fall upon it.