§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of passports which have been issued during the last six months to British subjects wishing to go to Russia; and the number of visas of Russian passports during the same period for Russian subjects wishing to come to this country?
Mr. A. HENDERSONPrior to 4th January last no British passports were endorsed for Soviet territory. Since that date a certain number of passports have been specifically endorsed for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, while others have been issued with an endorsement valid for all European countries, which would include Russia. To as certain the exact number would entail the examination of 16,000 passport application forms. Since 1st August, 1929, 360 British visas, including diplomatic and transit visas, have been granted or authorised to enable Soviet citizens to travel to the United Kingdom. In addition 154 return visas have been granted in this, country to Soviet citizens, who are residing here for business purposes or some other reason, to enable them to return to the United Kingdom.