HC Deb 19 February 1946 vol 419 c961
58. Mr. Austin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will carefully examine the question of the conversion into dollar currency of the earnings in sterling of entertainers here on flying visits from U.S.A., with a view to such currency being used to better advantage in the national interest.

Mr. Dalton

Such earnings are now freely convertible into dollars; and I am not prepared to vary this arrangement at present.

Mr. Austin

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that widespread resentment is felt in this country at the proposed expenditure of£10,000 on a certain crooner who, it is anticipated, will visit this country in the near future?

Mr. Dalton

I expect the person in question hopes to make something by coming here and, therefore, no doubt, is appreciated by some, though not by others. One can always turn him off.