HC Deb 06 April 1955 vol 539 c1168
44. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which European countries discriminate between British-protected persons in possession of British passports and United Kingdom citizens.

Lord John Hope

I presume that what the hon. Member has in mind is that British-protected persons holding United Kingdom passports are required to have visas for travel to certain countries to which holders of such passports who are British subjects can travel without visas. This differentiation is due to the fact that it has not been found possible to include protected persons, either foreign or British, in the agreements concluded with foreign countries for the abolition of visas.

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT, the long list of those countries with which Her Majesty's Government have concluded agreements for the abolition of visas.

Mr. Sorensen

Why is it not possible? Is it not very unfair that this discrimination should exist between protected persons and ordinary citizens?

Lord John Hope

Each sovereign Government is entitled to their own decision. There was no bitterness about this matter. "Discrimination" is not the word that should be used.

Following is the list: