HC Deb 16 February 1927 vol 202 cc902-3
4. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can inform the House as to whether the French Government is contemplating any alteration in their visa system?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I have received a note from the French Ambassador stating that the French Government has decided to maintain the existing arrangements, under which British subjects are not required to obtain a French visa as a preliminary to entering France.

9. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an invitation has been received at any time from the United States of America Government for the abolition of visas on passports for American citizens travelling to the United Kingdom and British citizens visiting the United States of America; if so, what reply was made by His Majesty's Government; and what are the reasons for our retaining the visa for America?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir; the hon. and gallant Member will find the correspondence in Command Paper 2746.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read the correspondence, he will find a full answer.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it rather extraordinary that we should have abolished the visa for France, but should keep it on for America?

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability, after consultation with other European countries, of doubling the visa fees for America, such amount to be devoted towards the repayment of the American debt?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The position of the Government was set out in the correspondence which was published as a Command Paper, and to that I have nothing to add.

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