HC Deb 17 November 1948 vol 458 cc358-9
27. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the decision to abolish the necessity for a visa for U.S. citizens coming to the United Kingdom; and why this arrangement is not reciprocal.

Mr. Mayhew

This decision is in line with the policy which my right hon. Friend has at different times strongly supported, namely, to reduce to a minimum the restrictions which at present hamper the freedom of movement of the peoples of the world. The decision, although made unilaterally, immediately elicited a decision from the United States Government to waive their visa charges in respect of United Kingdom visitors to the United States. Full reciprocity in this matter is made difficult by the special immigration problems of the United States.

Mr. Piratin

While the House welcomes the implementation of any measure by the Foreign Secretary to make easier travel between this country and other countries, is it not a fact that United States citizens are being given advantages which British citizens have not got; and is not the Minister aware—indeed, he is—that a certain very honest and respectable British citizen namely, the hon. Member for Mile End, was refused a visa for the United States, while we in turn are to allow any amount of riff-raff into this country?

Mr. Gallacher

Will Parnell Thomas get in?

Mr. Bartlett

Is it not a fact that a considerable number of European countries who are anxious to develop their tourist traffic have already also abolished visas for American citizens?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir—

Mr. Gallacher

American graft is coming in.

Mr. Mayhew

—and partly for that reason in this case it would be difficult to justify full reciprocity unless there were also reciprocity with many other European countries. For that reason it is difficult for the Government of the United States to grant full reciprocity.

Mr. Keeling

Is the unwillingness of the United States to alter their law due to the fact that they are unwilling to grant a visa to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin)?