HC Deb 10 December 1947 vol 445 c994
33. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the hon. Member for Ipswich may expect a reply to his letter of 25th September regarding the exchange visit of Workers' Leaders between Messrs. Ransomes & Rapier Ltd., of Ipswich and Messrs. Menck & Hambrock of Hamburg.

The Minister of State (Mr. McNeil)

A reply was sent to my hon. Friend this morning.

Mr. Stokes

is my right hon. Friend aware that I have only just received his reply? Arising out of that reply, is he further aware that this has nothing to do with exchange control payments? The payments at this end will be made in sterling, and the payments to the workers at the other end will be in sterling. It will not cost any dollars. Therefore, what is the difficulty?

Mc. McNiel

I apologise if my hon. Friend has only just received his reply. As to the complexities of the exchange, I shall be glad to discuss with him any scheme he has in mind.

Sir Ronald Ross

Does the exchange include the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes)? Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the gain to this country of such a transaction?

Mr. McNeil

As my hon. Friend is an engineering worker, he would, of course, qualify.

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