§ 9. Mr. McCORQUODALEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the irritation caused to American tourists by our high visa charges from the United States of America; that the loss in trade caused by the non-entry to this country of so many visitors to Europe owing to these charges outweighs the revenue collected by these visa charges; And whether he will again review this position in order to help our tourist trade?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, Sir. I cannot accept the allegations in the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question, which are not borne out by the reports I have received from His Majesty's Ambassador and Consular officers in the United States. As regards the third part of the question, I would refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) on the 27th June, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. HANNONSurely the Foreign Secretary realises that these fees are far too high? As this question has been before the Foreign Office for a long time, cannot some steps be taken to reduce the fees?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe hon. Member is perfectly right. There is nothing novel in the question. It has been considered by several Government Departments with great care, and I can assure the hon. Member that there are more considerations involved than those to which he refers.
Captain CROOKSHANKIs it not because American fees to British visitors are so high that ours are kept at their present level?
§ Mr. McCORQUODALEIs it not the case that the Tourist Association of Great Britain have presented a report in which they prove the accuracy of the statements in my question; and that that report has been received by the Government?
§ Sir J. SIMONI did not hear the name of the body referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr.McCORQUODALEHas the Foreign Secretary received a report from the Tourist Association of Great Britain on this subject?
§ Sir J. SIMONYes. Naturally the matter is one which is being considered in every aspect. The considerations mentioned by other hon. Members have also to be borne in mind.
§ Mr. McCORQUODALEIs it not the case that the Tourist Association have consulted the Board of Trade, and that their reply is that the Foreign Office are. holding this matter up?
§ Sir J. SIMONI should be sorry to think that any colleague of mine could give such an answer.