§ 8. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total expenditure of the Passport Office, including the branch office at Liverpool, for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and the total sum received in fees during the same period?
§ Viscount CranborneDuring the 12 months ended 30th September last the total expenditure (including salaries, rent and maintenance of offices, stationery, carriage of mails, etc.) of the Passport Office and branch Passport Office at Liverpool amounted to £71,036. The net 904 receipts, that is, the total sum received less the sixpenny Revenue stamp on the new passports, during the same period amounted to £246,121.
§ Mr. DayIn view of the very large difference in these two amounts, will the Noble Lord consider reducing some of the visa charges, especially for the United States?
§ Viscount CranborneAs the hon. Member will know, this subject has been under constant consideration, but up to now it has been thought that the loss of revenue cannot be envisaged.