Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Monday, 10 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 March 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason UK passports specify identification details in French in addition to English; and whether he plans to replace French with an alternative language.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason UK passports specify identification details in French in addition to English; and whether he plans to replace French with an alternative language. [102737] Beverley Hughes: The British Passport includes French on the personal details page to facilitate international travel and to comply with International Civil Aviational Organisation standards and European Union resolutions. All passports of European Union countries include English and French on the personal details page in addition to their own language. We have no plans to seek to change this.

Secondary information