§ Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what check is exercised in issuing and renewing passports in regard to the signature of persons supporting the application of the holder of the passport; what is the number, respectively, of passports and renewals of passports refused during the two years ending June, 1926; and what, if any, is the number of prosecutions during that period for false statements by applicants?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIn dealing with applications for passports, all such precautions are taken against fraud as are compatible with reasonable expedition in the issue of the passport. The information desired in the second part of my hon. Friend's question is not available. During the two years ending June, 1926, criminal proceedings were taken against six persons who made false statements for the purpose of obtaining passports.