§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Lord Privy Seal why it would not be possible to insert a machine-readable page in the existing United Kingdom passport.
§ Sir Ian GilmourFrom present studies it is unlikely that the United Kingdom passport in its existing form would be suited to the insertion of a laminated machine-readable page.
As I have already told the House, the decision that the United Kingdom passport should conform to a common European Community format was taken in principle by the European Community Heads of Government in 1974.
We are therefore faced with two changes which it is sensible and economic to bring into effect simultaneously.
We have made it clear, and it is understood by our partners in the Community, that the United Kingdom will not introduce a common format passport until we are ready also to make the change to machine-readable capability, which will bring advantages to the traveller and immigration authorities.
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§ Mr. Marlowasked the Lord Privy Seal how many representations he has received on the proposed common format of a European Passport since its announcement; and what proportion has been in favour of the passport.
§ Sir Ian GilmourI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Scunthorpe (Mr. Brown) on 8 April 1981. —[Vol. 2, c.283–84.]