HC Deb 07 July 1977 vol 934 c657W
Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether a uniform EEC passport will be issued under the Royal Prerogative.

Mr. Judd

No decision has yet been made about the issue of a so-called "EEC passport" but any such passport issued by United Kingdom authorities would in every sense remain a United Kingdom passport whatever its common features with passports issued by other member States of the EEC; it would continue to be issued under the Royal Prerogative. As I informed the House on 4th May in response to a supplementary question asked by the hon. Member, my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary accepts that it is proper that the House should be given an opportunity to debate the matter before the Government are finally committed on the issues under discussion in Brussels.