HC Deb 02 November 1948 vol 457 cc678-80
46. Mr. Keeling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the British Railways Executive advertise that reserved seats in French and English trains can be paid for in sterling at their Paris office; and whether he has authorised this contravention of the regulation that sterling must not be spent abroad.

Sir S. Cripps

The answer to both parts of the Question is "No, Sir."

Mr. Keeling

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman going to prosecute British Railways for breaking the law for the last 10 months? Is he aware that I have in my hand the British Railways Continental Handbook, which on one page says that sterling must not be spent abroad, yet on another invites people to spend sterling on reserving seats?

Sir S. Cripps

I think the mistake is in the hon. Member's reading of the document. It is setting out the price of reserved seats in sterling. Of course, if that is paid in Paris, it has to be paid in francs.

Mr. Keeling

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that British Railways themselves connived at a breach of the law by accepting 2s. from me for reserving a seat?

Sir S. Cripps

If the hon. Member will send me particulars of the crime, I will have it inquired into.

47. Mr. Keeling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will relax the regulation that sterling must not be spent abroad so as to permit travellers by the through continental services from London via Ostend to Germany, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Italy to buy meals and drinks in Belgian dining cars.

Sir S. Cripps

Incidental expenses on Belgian dining cars should be paid for in Belgian francs and not in sterling notes. If a traveller is proceeding by this route on a journey for which the provision of currency has been authorised, he may obtain, on application, Belgian francs as part of his allocation for this purpose.

Mr. Keeling

Is the Chancellor aware that there is no reference to this provision of Belgian francs in such cases in the regulations, which say that Belgian currency will not be given?

Sir S. Cripps

I think that is a mistake. In a case where travel takes place through Belgium and it is necessary to buy a meal or other things in Belgium, arrangements can be provided for that.

Mr. Keeling

The regulation does not say so.