How other countries just bend the rules

OTHER European countries bend EU rules that ban governments from favouring domestic companies to make their passports.

These rules, which were agreed by member states and the European Parliament, are designed to obtain better value for taxpayers.

This is done by ensuring that public contracts worth more than certain thresholds are awarded through ‘transparent, non-discriminatory and competitive tender procedures’.

However, countries can rely on a ‘national security’ exemption to justify directly awarding contracts, which must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The nations that insist on awarding passport contracts to their own institutions and manufacturers on grounds of national security include:

FRANCE

All French passports, identity cards and driving licences are made at the Imprimerie Nationale (National Printing Works) in Flers- enEscrebieux, near Lille.

Established during the reign of Francois I in the 16th century, it is a symbol of national pride.

It produces more than 25million passports and other important documents every year.

GERMANY

German passports and national ID cards are printed at the Berlin Federal Printing Company.

Privatised in 2000, it was bought back by the state in 200 .

The company has a turnover of nearly £400million a year.

SPAIN

Passports are produced at the Royal Mint of Spain, a public company run by the ministry of economy and civil service.

It has two plants, one in Madrid and another in Burgos.

ITALY

Italian travel documents are made in Rome by the State Mint and Polygraphic Institute.

In 2002, IPZS became a public limited company – but with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance as the sole shareholder.

UNITED STATES

America’s Government Publishing Office has produced passports for the Department of State since the 1 20s. Last year it turned out about 22million passports.

IRELAND

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said its contract for travel documents went to Irish company the DLRS Group after a competitive tendering process, rather than automatically on grounds of national security.