HC Deb 16 November 1948 vol 458 cc207-8
56. Mr. Keeling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will increase the allowance of currency to tourists in France in view of the favourable balance of trade with that country.

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir, I regret that this is not possible.

Mr. Keeling

Is that reply due to the "least-favoured nations clause" in the Agreement with Switzerland, which bars any increase in the £35 so long as it is not granted to Switzerland? If so, will the Chancellor bear in mind, when any revision of the Swiss Agreement is possible, the great advantages of closer contact with the French, which an increase in the allowance would make possible?

Sir S. Cripps

I am quite conscious of the advantages and will bear that in mind.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Would it not have been more in conformity with the purposes behind Marshall Aid if the Government, instead of negotiating with the French Government on the basis of a Treasury-to-Treasury Loan, had accepted French exports and allowed the people to travel more?

Sir S. Cripps

We accepted all the French exports they can supply.

Hon. Members

No.

Mr. Nicholson

Would not one of the advantages of the suggestion put forward in the Question be that there will be an anti-inflationary result due to the mopping-up of purchasing power in this country?

Sir S. Cripps

As has already been pointed out, there is an arrangement with the Swiss which does not permit this.