HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 cc820-1
32. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why British subjects flying to South Africa by aircraft which stop for an hour at Kartoum have to get a visa from the Government of the Sudan, although no visa is required for the preceding stop in Tripoli.

Mr. McNeil

Tripoli is at present under British administration and the conditions under which British subjects are admitted to the territory are therefore determined by the British authorities. The Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, on the other hand, is a condominium and visa regulations are applicable to all foreign nationals without distinction, and no preference can be shown to British subjects.

Mr. Keeling

As the Foreign Secretary has declared for the abolition of visas, and as some foreign countries are considering their abolition for British citizens, is it not a bad example to set to acquiesce in this requirement of the Government of the Sudan? Could we not exert a little pressure?

Mr. McNeil

I am sure my right hon. Friend will consider the affair to see if anything can be done to make facilities easier, but the hon. Gentleman must bear in mind that there is no comparison between Tripoli and the Sudan in this matter.