HC Deb 23 July 1947 vol 440 cc1201-2
21. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to attract Spanish tourists to this country; what instructions our consulates in Spain have received on this subject; and to what extent the British Council in Spain is directing its attentions to interesting Spaniards in visiting this country.

Mr. Bevin

Propaganda to attract Spanish tourists is not justified in view of the virtual prohibition by the Spanish Government of the export of currency for private journeys abroad. The British authorities concerned in Spain have, however, been given discretion to issue tourist visas permitting a stay of two months. The activities of the British Council in Spain naturally stimulate interest in this country and encourage visits by scientific, medical, professional men and others.

Mr. Teeing

While fully realising that it is very difficult, from the financial point of view, for Spaniards to leave Spain, is it not true that, in France, only £5 is allowed for export, and that there is still a large amount of propaganda to try to get French people to come over here? Can we not do the same in Spain?

Mr. Bevin

The relationship between Spain and the rest of the world is not the same as in the case of France