§ I. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister whether he can make a further statement in connection with the abolition of passport visa charges between Great Britain and the United States of America; and what is the British Government's present attitude with regard thereto?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)As the hon. Member is aware, the visa fee was mutually reduced to two dollars, or the equivalent in local currency, by an arrangement concluded with the United States Government last year. No alteration has taken place in the position since that arrangement was concluded and the attitude of His Majesty's Government remains unchanged. I would remind the hon. Member that United States citizens visiting this country on organised tours with a fixed itinerary, who travel below first-class on board ship and who do not remain in the United Kingdom more than 14 days, can obtain a special visa at a fee of 20 cents.
§ Mr. DayCan the Minister say whether he offer for the reciprocal arrangement circulated in Command Paper 2476 of 1926 is still open?
§ Mr. ButlerI shall have to study the document to which the hon. Member has drawn attention.