HL Deb 11 March 2004 vol 658 cc191-2WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State for Citizenship, Immigration and Counter-Terrorism on 30 October 2003 (HC Deb, 321W), whether there are any other charges involved in supplying passports for citizens; and, if not, how the difference between the cost and the price is justified. [HL1762]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The passport fee is reviewed annually in consultation with HM Treasury and is set in accordance with fees and charges guidance. The UK Passport Service does not make a profit.

In the last financial year, the average cost of a standard passport consisted of:

direct costs of passport production, £16.86;

administrative costs, which includes change initiatives, support staff and accommodation, £6.74;

consular services supplied by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office abroad, £9.40.