§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the European Commission's proposed list of countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external frontiers of member states will come into force.
§ Mr. Charles WardleWhen it has been agreed by the Council of Ministers.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement with regard to the effect on Commonwealth countries of the European Commission's proposals to determine the list of countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external frontiers of member states;
(2) if he will make it his policy, in discussions with the European Commission and in the Council of Ministers about the rights of those Commonwealth countries whose nationals are able to visit the United Kingdom without a visa, to ensure that they may continue to do so;
(3) if he will give undertakings to the Governments of those Commonwealth countries whose nationals are currently able to visit the United Kingdom without a visa that they may continue to do so.
§ Mr. Charles WardleAn explanatory memorandum setting out the Government's response to the Commission's proposals will be submitted shortly.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the 257W European Commission on maintaining the rights of those Commonwealth countries whose nationals are able to visit the United Kingdom without a visa, when drawing up the list of countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external frontiers of member states.
§ Mr. Charles WardleNone formally. Formal discussions of the Commission's proposal have only just started.