HC Deb 08 July 1946 vol 425 cc19-20W
125. Mr. Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will provide seats within the office building where passports are issued, for those who have to queue to obtain these.

Mr. McNeil

Seating accommodation for about 15o people is provided for persons calling at the London Passport Office. A few more chairs are being installed which will bring the number up to the maximum practicable under the conditions.

128. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has made, or proposes to make, any representations to the Governments of France, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden with a view to the reciprocal abolition of visas for travellers to and from these countries.

Mr. McNeil

No approach has so far been made to the Governments mentioned, but the long-term policy of His Majesty's Government is, as stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 24th June, to return to prewar conditions by agreements with other countries as soon as conditions permit.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that persons applying for passports have now to stand in queues at the Passport Office for as long as eight hours before being attended to; that these queues include mothers with children and that the inconvenience and distress caused are often considerable; that complaint is made by applicants that some persons, by means of bribes, are able to secure earlier attention than others; and, in view of these complaints, if he will cause immediate investigations to be made into the general conditions now existing at the Passport Office.

Mr. McNeil

I cannot accept the implication of the hon. Member's Question, but, as there are three passport offices, I have not been able to make full inquiries. If he will let me have details as to which office he has in mind I will inquire further and communicate with him.