HC Deb 15 March 1949 vol 462 cc1905-6
63. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is taken by His Majesty's Government to ensure that countries to whom transferable sterling facilities are granted do not abuse those facilities.

Sir S. Cripps

If there is any reason to believe that a member of the transferable account area is abusing the facilities which it offers, the matter is taken up with the country concerned. In the last resort the remedy is to remove the offending country from the transferable account area.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

In view of that answer, may I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he has done in the case of Egypt?

Sir S. Cripps

We have taken steps to see that there is no abuse of the rights granted.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer mean that the luxury imports from America, which that country is receiving, are not considered an abuse?

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir. They are not considered an abuse of the transferable account.