§ Mr. Freethasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is still his policy that Germans and Austrians should in certain circumstances obtain visas in order to travel to this country; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerAt present Germans, Austrians and Finns require visas if they are proposing to come to the United Kingdom for a stay of more than three months. I have decided that this restriction can properly be lifted. Accordingly, as from 1st January, 1958, holders of German Federal passports, Austrians and Finns will be able to travel to the United Kingdom without visas. I am sure that the House will be glad to take note that thereafter no national of a country that is a member of the Council of Europe or the O.E.E.C. will require a visa in order to come to this country. My decision does not, of course, imply any relaxation of control over the entry of foreign labour or over admission for permanent residence.