§ 61. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what authority and for what reason British subjects are prohibited from bringing sterling currency into this country.
§ Mr. DaltonUnder Regulation 2B of the Defence (Finance) Regulations. Travellers can bring in £20 in sterling, but not more. Effective exchange control would be impossible, if sterling notes could move freely in and out of the United Kingdom.
§ Sir T. MooreWhat is the financial or moral objection to British currency, honourably earned, being brought into this country by its earner, who is also its owner?
§ Mr. DaltonIt would take a long time to answer that question fully, but I would like to warn the hon. and gallant Member, the House and the public that there are a lot of forged sterling notes circulating on the Continent of Europe, which were put into circulation by our enemies in the course of the war. We must be very careful about these matters. It is not a mere bureaucratic interference with the subject. It is a considered judgment, which would take a considerable time to explain fully.
§ Sir T. MooreThe Chancellor has said that a person can bring in £20. Cannot £20 be forged as easily as can £1,400?
§ Mr. DaltonIf the hon. and gallant Member wishes to reduce the amount to £10, and so advises me, I will consider it.