HC Deb 01 April 1936 vol 310 cc1972-3
9. Mr. LEACH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will use his good offices to secure a modification of the long lists of useless and vexatious questions which intending visitors between England and the United States of America have to answer?

Mr. EDEN

The questionnaire which intending visitors to the United States are required to answer is, I understand, a part of the machinery of the United States Immigration authorities for the control of aliens entering the United States. This is a matter solely within the competence of the United States authorities and is not one in regard to which His Majesty's Government would feel able to approach the United States Government.

Mr. LEACH

Does the right hon. Gentleman not know that a long string of useless questions are also put on this side and that the chance is there, if we care to take it, of opening negotiations for their abolition?

Mr. EDEN

I am not sure by whom these useless questions are asked. Is it by the United States authorities?

Mr. LEACH

By us.

Mr. EDEN

That is a matter for the Home Office.