§ Lord Mancroftasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have noted some recent reports in the Press of disorderly behaviour by British nannies in public places in Toronto and whether there are any effective restrictions that the Government can place upon persons such as these joining itinerant football fans and other short-term visitors to Europe and elsewhere in ruining this country's former reputation for decent behaviour abroad.
§ Lord BelsteadThe British Consul General in Toronto has reported that what was a minor incident in a Toronto restaurant had been greatly exaggerated in certain press reports. There is no proof that British nannies were in fact responsible for disorderly behaviour there.
It is difficult to see what effective restrictions could be placed on British citizens who misbehave abroad, as their misbehaviour and possible punishment would be a matter for the local police and judicial authorities. 1452WA It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government (except in certain specialised circumstances) to withhold passports only from persons wanted by the police or when serious issues affecting the national interest, especially in the context of security, are involved.