HC Deb 28 July 1954 vol 531 cc465-6
8. Mr. John Eden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the official proposals from France and Belgium that Great Britain should join with them in abolishing passports for day and weekend visitors; and whether, in view of the desirability of further developing tourist travel, he will agree to this relaxation.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Her Majesty's Government have received no such proposals from the Belgian Government. The French Government have made several approaches with a view to a resumption of the pre-war practice. Their proposals have been carefully considered, but on 31st December, 1953, the French Ambassador was informed that Her Majesty's Government had with great regret come to the conclusion that they could not agree to the re-establishment of the pre-war facilities.