§ 49. Mr. M. Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will reduce the cost of 28s. 6d. for a military permit to visit the British zones of Germany or Austria, valid for more than 60 days, since this charge is in addition to that of 14s. 6d., the cost of a passport.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Davies)As the fee quoted by the hon. Member is not correct, I am circulating the correct figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. While His Majesty's Government are generally in favour of reductions, I regret that I am unable to hold out the hope that these particular fees will be reduced.
§ Mr. LindsayWhatever the exact figure may be, is the Minister aware that it is rather hard on students, for example, to have to pay such a high fee, and is not it possible for them to get a stamp on their passport, like a visa, at a much lower cost?
§ Mr. DaviesI will consider that suggestion.
Following are the details:The scale of fees for permits for Germany and Austria is fixed by agreement with the United States and French authorities and is as follows:
s. d. Transit … … 7 0 Repeated Transit … … 14 6 Entry … … 14 6 Repeated Entry … … 28 6
§ The validity of permits for Germany is 120 days and for Austria 60 days. In Austria extensions up to 15 days are granted without charge.