§ Mr. GILLETTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can see his way to reduce the fee charged for passports; and whether he will consider if further reductions could be made in favour of parties going to visit France and Belgium for educational purposes?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The charge for a passport valid for five years is 7s. 6d., and 1s. per year for renewal up to a further period of five years, making a total of 12s. 6d. for 10 years, which cannot be regarded as excessive. With regard to the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that arrangements have been in force for a considerable time past whereby collective certificates, in place of separate passports, are issued to parties of students, scouts and girl guides proceeding abroad for educational purposes at an inclusive fee of 5s. for each party of 40 persons or less under the age of 18, and 10s. for each party of 25 persons or less over that age.