§ 5. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many American tourists have applied for and obtained visas in this country during the last period of 12 months of 1715 which data can be given; and what has been the total amount received for these fees?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid that our records do not distinguish between visas granted to tourists and other categories of travellers.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWhat is the number—both tourist and otherwise?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIf my hon Friend will put down that question, I shall try to give him an answer.
§ 7. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any figures are available to show what the Italian Government is losing directly by forgoing payment on visas to American nationals to Italy; whether any other countries in Europe have forgone the payment of visas for American tourists; and whether he has considered the advantages to be gained by adopting a similar policy in this country?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI have no information in regard to the first part of the question; according to a statement given by the State Department to the Press on the 27th of February, the following countries in Europe have forgone the fees for visas granted to United States citizens:—Albania, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and Yugo-Slavia. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on the 7th instant.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that those Governments show a business attitude in trying to get more American citizens over to their countries and that a tourist is likely to spend more than the comparatively small amount represented by the cost of the visa?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI gave a full reply to the question of my hon. Friend on the occasion to which I have referred. I have nothing to add.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINI thank the right hon. Gentleman for the full answer I have received, but may I ask him to believe that it is rather unsatisfactory; and will he consider evidence from the United States, showing that we should get in more tourists to this country by eliminating these visas?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI shall be glad to consider any information which my hon. Friend likes to put before me, but I can hold out no hope that our attitude in this matter will he changed. We have offered reciprocity; we have not been able to obtain it.