HC Deb 25 April 1996 vol 276 cc576-7
8. Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the design of British passports. [25044]

The Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Timothy Kirkhope)

The current new-style British passport, introduced from 1988, is in a common format that has been agreed throughout the European Union.

An internal review in 1995 found that the current design and security features provide adequate protection against fraud. but that is being examined again and consideration is being given to replacing the holder's photograph with a printed digitised image when the current printing equipment is replaced in 1998.

Mr. Soley

So when people renew their passports, they will, at the Minister's insistence, no longer be able to obtain a traditional British-style passport but must have what is called a "European Community passport". Is the Minister proud of that?

Mr. Kirkhope

I am somewhat surprised by the hon. Gentleman's remarks. The passport that is held by British nationals is quite clearly a British, not a European, passport. On its front cover, it bears this country's coat of arms and the clear and unequivocal statement that it is a passport of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I give the hon. Gentleman an assurance that we intend it to remain that way—but I am not so sure that Opposition Front Benchers, with their Euro-enthusiasm, could provide the same guarantee

Mr. Garnier

My hon. Friend is correct: the problem is not the design of the British passport, but designs on the British passport. Will my hon. Friend renew the fight to ensure that border controls and the sanctity of passports generally are upheld?

Mr. Kirkhope

I am sure that we can give that confirmation. However, the Opposition are apparently unable to do that. If we received more support from the Opposition in our determination in that regard, we would be in a much better position.