HC Deb 07 December 1948 vol 459 cc271-2
57. Mr. Janner

asked the chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that number of parents in Leicester and elsewhere, of women who married American or Canadian ex-Service men, are unable to visit their children because those parents are unable to take with them the necessary money to pay for their maintenance during visits; and whether he will take steps to remedy the position.

Sir S. Cripps

In our present dollar position we cannot afford private travel in America or Canada except on hardship or compassionate grounds, such as illness. In such cases I am always prepared to consider a special allotment of currency. While, therefore, I sympathise with the feelings of the parents concerned, I should not be justified in giving preferential treatment to one particular class of the population.

Mr. Janner

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the fact that there is considerable feeling about this matter not only in Leicester, but throughout the country; and that at a recent meeting in Leicester every person who was present stated that children could not have their parents in America unless they were able to bring money in themselves? Would he reconsider this matter?

Sir S. Cripps

I am afraid that quite a number of hardships are caused by shortage of dollars, and this is one of them.

Earl Winterton

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether these people would be likely to obtain favourable consideration of their applications if they said that they were going abroad for purposes of Socialist propaganda?

Sir S. Cripps

Perhaps the noble Lord would put that question on the Order Paper.