§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home department if he will now take steps to ensure that the Welsh language can be officially recognised on passports relating to residents of Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonBirthplaces in Wales can be entered in passports in Welsh on request. There are no plans to go beyond this.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the status of a person bearing an Isle of Man passport in relation to the EEC; and what effect the development of a Europassport will have on citizens of the Isle of Man.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe majority, but not all, of British citizens holding British passports issued in the Isle of Man are entitled to European community benefits relating to employment and establishment. Where they are not, this is indicated in their passports.
British citizens from the Isle of Man will be granted the new British passport in the EC common format when it is introduced in the United Kingdom. As at present, the passport will be suitably endorsed if the holder is not entitled to EC benefits.
The Isle of Man authorities have yet to indicate how they wish to adapt the format of the passport that they issue.