§ Ms WardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has made to the French Government about allowing blue travel documents to be accepted at French ports. [129561]
§ Mrs. RocheWe are not aware of any difficulties for those using 1951 Convention travel documents (blue) when travelling to France and have not, therefore, had cause to discuss this with the French authorities. However, we are aware that a number of European Union partners will no longer accept the Certificate of Identity (CID) issued by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. This is a brown travel document issued to 171W certain foreign nationals, other than refugees, who are resident in the United Kingdom and cannot obtain a national passport on which to travel. This type of document is not issued under international convention but has been widely accepted for travel in the past. It is for the authorities of each country to decide whether they will accept the CID as a valid form of travel document. However, my officials are in discussion with colleagues in the various European Union countries in order to identify their particular concerns and if possible provide any reassurance which might encourage them to accept the CID for travel.