HC Deb 09 February 1976 vol 905 c28W
Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will propose to the European Community that the proposed European passport should be optional following the precedent of the proposal to have an optional European driving licence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rowlands

The proposal is not for a European passport but for a national passport in a uniform style. The passport will indicate that the holder is a national of a member State and has certain rights in the Community. To make it optional would result in confusion and a proliferation of styles of passport.