2.48 p.m.
My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the present circumstances, they will consider the possibility of extending the validity of passports which are due to expire for a period of time in order to avoid unnecessary difficulties.
My Lords, Her Majesty's Government could not expect foreign immigration authorities to accept expired United Kingdom passports during the current industrial dispute over Civil Service pay unless the expired passports were appropriately endorsed. As the dispute is affecting both the Passport Office and the Immigration Service it would be administratively impracticable to renew expired passports exceptionally in the present situation. As far as possible we are trying to maintain the issue of passports, in cases of urgency, to personal applicants.
My Lords, I thank the Foreign Secretary for his Answer. Is he aware that the validity of old-age pensioners' travel permits originally issued by London Transport is extended in post offices upon production of evidence of identity?
My Lords, I am not quite sure that I understand the exact purpose of the noble Lord's question. Could he explain it a little more if he wants an intelligent answer?
My Lords, a passport expires at a certain date unless it is extended. I am advised that old-age pensioners can get their travel permits, which are issued by London Transport, extended at post offices. Could the same thing not apply if one could assure the identity of the person applying for the extension?
My Lords, I think that would be very difficult. But what does happen is that citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies wishing to make holiday visits to the European Community, to Scandinavia and to other Western European countries and Canada, can obtain British Visitors' passports, while they wait, at the main post offices in Britain.