HC Deb 20 December 1954 vol 535 cc2434-5
50. Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of Uruguay to secure reciprocity in the matter of visa charges and the abolition of the thumb print as a means of identification for British citizens visiting Uruguay.

Mr. Turton

In 1934, and again in 1949, United Kingdom visa fees charged to Uruguayan nationals were raised as a result of increases in Uruguayan fees. A single fee is now being charged for all types of Uruguayan visas, but since this is considerably higher than the fee for United Kingdom visas, the Uruguayan Government are being asked to reduce their fee accordingly.

Her Majesty's Government asked the Uruguayan Government last year to dispense with the requirement that applicants for Uruguayan visas should attend in person at a Uruguayan Consulate. The acceptance of this request would have eliminated the use of fingerprinting as a means of identification. The Uruguayan Government have so far been unwilling to dispense with this requirement.

Mr. Hurd

May I take it that we shall continue to make representations to get a more reasonable interpretation of these arrangements?

Mr. Turton

We intend to pursue this matter further with the Uruguayan Government.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that persons wishing to visit the United States have to submit their thumb prints, or to submit to an even more elaborate system of fingerprints and thumb prints, and will he take up towards the United States the same attitude as he has adopted towards Uruguay?

Mr. Turton

This Question deals with Uruguay, and not the United States.

51. Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the reciprocal reduction of visa charges during the past year.

Mr. Turton

During the past year, no general discussions have taken place on the reciprocal reduction of visa fees, but arrangements have been made for the mutual abolition of visas for travel between the United Kingdom and the following countries: Austria, Finland, Germany, Portugal and the Saar.

Mr. Hurd

Can my hon. Friend say if there will be an opportunity in the coming year for wider and more general discussions on the abolition of these visa fees?

Mr. Turton

I hope so, but I do not know of a definite possibility.