HC Deb 03 March 1931 vol 249 cc201-2
61. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps are at present under consideration by his Department for the purpose of making reciprocal arrangements between travellers from foreign countries and British subjects travelling to foreign countries for reduction in visa fees on passports; and will he give particulars?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, within recent years visa fees have been abolished in the case of a number of countries and reduced in certain other cases. As my right hon. Friend has stated on several occasions, His Majesty's Government are unable, for financial reasons, to consider any general abolition or further reduction of visa fees at the present time.

Mr. DAY

Are any conversations taking place with the American authorities with a view to securing a reduction?

Mr. DALTON

No, Sir. Financial reasons preclude us from proceeding further for the present.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

What is the position with regard to Russia?

Mr. DALTON

Just as it was a long time ago.