HC Deb 23 November 1983 vol 49 cc154-5W
Mr. Norman Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what effect the British Nationality Act 1981 has had on Commonwealth citizens permanently resident in the United Kingdom in regard to the issuing of no-passport excursion cards; and what advice he now circulates to travel agents on this matter.

Mr. Waddington

The 1971 memorandum of understanding with France on no-passport excursions covers all Commonwealth citizens. The passing of the British Nationality Act 1981 did not affect in any way the memorandum's application to them. The French Government informed the British Government in August that, while the operation of the scheme was under discussion, they were prepared to admit only British citizens on no-passport excursion cards and that other Commonwealth citizens must travel on a passport, obtaining a visa where appropriate. The travel companies were informed accordingly, and Commonwealth citizens who were not British citizens were advised not to travel to France on no-passport excursion cards.