HC Deb 05 December 1946 vol 431 cc508-9
60. Mr. James Callaghan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why travellers returning from Czechoslovakia may change Czech notes of 5, 10, 20 and 50 crowns in the United Kingdom, but not of 100 crowns, bearing in mind that there is in any case an overall maximum of 500 crowns for import purposes.

Mr. Dalton

Czechoslovakia does not allow the export or import of her own 100-crown notes, which are therefore not acceptable to the Bank of England.

Mr. Callaghan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a customer is advised by the Bank that, if he cares to fill in a form saying why he left the country, when he left, when he goes out and when he comes back, whether he has been tattooed, and a number of other things, he can in fact change 100-crown notes? Is there any reason why, as the maximum is only £2 10s., all these forms should be filled in?

Mr. Dalton

The point is that notes smaller than 100 crowns are allowed by the Czechoslovak Government to be exported, but to export 100-crown notes from Czechoslovakia is an offence against Czechoslovak law, and the Bank of England will not condone it by taking them.