HC Deb 23 June 1986 vol 100 c42W
Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of Saudi Arabia urging the withdrawal of regulations, recently issued by the Saudi Arabian embassy in London, which require applicants, wishing to go on pilgramage to Mecca and Medina for Hajj or Umrah, to be British passport holders or overseas nationals with permanent residency in the United Kingdom with confirmed bookings in and out of Saudi Arabia ticketed on Saudia Arabia Airlines or British Caledonian only; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

No. Administrative arrangements for the issue of visas are within the competence of the issuing state. Furthermore the travel requirement does not discriminate against British carriers.