HL Deb 07 April 1998 vol 588 c120WA
Lord Randall of St. Budeaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have for passports for children. [HL1262]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Following a policy review, we have accepted the Passport Agency's recommendation that, on the grounds of improved security, of making child abduction more difficult, facilitating travel and maintaining the agency's efficiency and effectiveness, all children should be required to hold their own passport. This change in policy will take effect from 5 October 1998, when the agency plan to begin introducing a new, more secure British passport. Children already included on their parents' passports will not be affected by this change until the passport is changed.