§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord Privy Seal why the communication sent to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West on 27 May concerning the use of passports was signed by a Mr. Martin Rickerd and not by a Minister; whether he will make it his practice to ensure that such replies are sent by Ministers; and whether he will publish the details of the reply in the Official Report.
§ Mr. LuceI exceptionally authorised Mr. Rickerd, my assistant private secretary, to sign urgent letters on my behalf in the special circumstances of my brief absence during the Whitsun Recess. These letters were signed with my personal Authority and approval.
The text of the letter of 27 May is as follows:
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- London SW1A 2AH
- 27 May 1981
From the Parliamentary Under Secretary of StateRichard Luce, MPThank you for your letter of 19 May about the need for British subjects to hold passports to leave and re-enter the United Kingdom.It is true that there is no statutory instrument requiring a United Kingdom citizen to hold a valid passport to leave and return to this country. A passport is, however, the most convenient way for a traveller to establish identity, nationality and position under the immigration regulations.It would be irresponsible to issue a public announcement stating that passports were unnecessary and that other means of identity and nationality would be acceptable. Such a statement would suggest to the travelling public that no problems would result should such a course be followed, while in fact most carrier companies would refuse passage to persons not in possession of an official travel document and most overseas countries would refuse entry.
- Arthur W J Lewis Esq MP
- House of Commons
- London SW1A 0AA