HC Deb 28 October 1983 vol 47 c208W
Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what rules govern the entry of people from the United Kingdom into France under the terms of the rules of the European Community.

Mr. Whitney

Persons who are "United Kingdom nationals" for European Community purposes are entitled to enter France, to exercise their rights of free movement under the provisions of the treaty establishing the European Community, on production of a passport or national identity card.

Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he is having with the French Government as to the entry of black people from the United Kingdom into France.

Mr. Whitney

Discussions are taking place on the operation of the 1971 Anglo-French memorandum of understanding on no-passport excursions. The memorandum of understanding makes no distinction as to colour.

Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to the numbers of black Asian people from the United Kingdom who have been refused entry into France so far in 1983; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

In the course of the year about 360 persons—not differentiated as to colour—who were on day excursions and sought to enter France on no-passport identity cards, complained on their return that they had been refused admission.