§ 12. Mr. Dunnasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many passports were issued in 1967; and what arrangements he has made to provide for greater demand in 1968.
§ Mr. William Rodgers1,017,790 passports were issued in 1967. In addition, 707,092 British Visitor's passports were issued at Employment Exchanges. New Passport Offices were opened at Newport (Monmouthshire) and Peterborough at the end of 1967 in readiness for the 1968 travel season.
§ Mr. Howieasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure that members of the public receive speedy and effective service when they apply for passports.
§ Mr. William RodgersNew offices have been opened recently at Newport (Monmouthshire) and Peterborough to ease pressure on the London Office and the introduction this year of the ten-year passport not requiring renewal will ultimately reduce the work-load.
Nevertheless a speedy and effective passport service will always depend largely upon the public submitting applications in good time and in good order, and to this end a publicity campaign has been mounted in the Press and on the radio.
§ 49. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by what authority he seeks to restrain persons whose passports have been impounded from travelling to other countries.
§ Mr. William RodgersIn so far as the refusal of passport facilities creates difficulties in satisfactorily establishing identity and nationality, my right hon. Friend does so through his exercise of the Royal Prerogative.