§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the United Kingdom will meet the 1 October 2004 deadline imposed by the United States which requires biometric technology to be embedded in United Kingdom passports so that the bearers do not need to apply for a visa. [128662]
§ Beverley HughesAs we have previously said, biometrics on UK passports will begin to be implemented in 2005.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is organising representations to the United States Government with the aim of ensuring UK passport holders retain visa waiver status, on the basis that realistic programme and implementation plans will be in place by the US deadline.