§ Sir M. CONWAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, in obtaining a passport at the Foreign Office, it is necessary in peace time for a citizen, not a criminal or otherwise unfit to travel, to give details as to the object of a journey or to specify the countries to be visited?
Mr. SAMUELIn many countries the regulations affecting travellers vary according to the object of the journey, and whether the visit is temporary or is a case of immigration; and it is necessary for the Passport Office to be informed on this point in order to advise travellers as to the requirements with which they must comply. The question of the protection of women also arises, as to which hon. Members have only recently urged that the restrictions on the issue of passports should be made more stringent. Moreover, under the recommendations of the International Conference on Passports, held at Paris in 1920, which have been adopted by His Majesty's Government, such documents are only valid for the countries named thereon. As the hon. Member is aware, further countries can be added to the passport at any time on application to the Passport Office or to any British consul abroad.
§ Sir M. CONWAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will institute further negotiations with the Governments of France and Belgium with a view to substituting a single examination of passports at one end of the Channel passage in lieu of the examination at both ends?
Mr. SAMUELThe hon. Member's suggestion will be noted, but I am afraid that it presents considerable difficulties.