asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what circumstances British subjects applying for a passport are asked to make a deposit of over £100.

Mr. McNeil:

Persons intending to settle in a foreign country, whose means of livelihood are not secure, are required to furnish a financial guarantee or lodge a sum of money against repatriation, so that if such a step becomes necessary the charge does not fall on public funds.

Is this part of the right hon. Gentleman's policy of buying a ticket at Victoria and going where one likes?

Mr. McNeil:

This is not an innovation by this Government. I do, however, agree with the inference that it should be removed as speedily as possible.

Do I understand my right hon. Friend to say that he will take steps to remove this regulation as soon as possible?

Mr. McNeil:

I did say "as soon as possible."

Is not this requirement contrary to the whole principle on which passports are granted by the Crown; and by what statutory authority is this deposit required?

Mr. McNeil:

I should like notice of the second part of that supplementary question. I should make it plain to my hon. and learned Friend that this is an undertaking asked for in only a very limited number of cases, and where there is good reason to suspect that the person applying, may have some need of assistance.