HC Deb 16 March 1948 vol 448 cc1881-2
57. Mr. Janner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the amount of foreign exchange which will be available during the summer to persons wishing to visit France and other Western European countries.

62. Mr. Bowden

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state the countries to which tourist travel will be permitted.

Sir S. Cripps

As from the 1st May, tourist travel will be permitted to the following countries: Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Switzerland. Travel to Switzerland will be regulated on a monthly quota basis. The detailed arrangements for this will be published within the next few days. The foreign currency to be allowed for tourist travel for the twelve months beginning on 1st May is the equivalent of £35 for adults and £25 for children. The countries named above do not necessarily constitute the final list. It may be possible to add one or two more countries within the next few weeks.

Mr. H. Hynd

In view of the fact that Belgium and Luxemburg are probably the two countries in Western Europe most friendly disposed to this country, can the Chancellor offer any hope that they will be included in the list?

Sir S. Cripps

I certainly could not offer any immediate hope.

Mr. Keeling

Would the Chancellor let us know to which of the other countries he hopes to extend travel facilities, and in particular would he say if there is any hope of arranging tourist travel to Spain, Turkey, Egypt, Syria and the Lebanon?

Sir S. Cripps

I think it would be highly undesirable to mention possibilities. It would lead to confusion in the minds of everyone.

Mr. Wilson Harris

In view of the fact that the allowance to travellers is necessarily limited, will they be allowed to earn a few francs by digging potatoes and writing articles for the local Press, and to spend them in the country where they are, earned?

Sir S. Cripps

There is nothing to stop them from earning francs if they are in France.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

Will the Chancellor bear in mind that this announcement would be even more valuable if the Government would allow a little petrol, so that tourists could take their cars with them?