HC Deb 11 July 1950 vol 477 cc1135-6
41. Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what cases, and for what purposes, the pound sterling is now valued at three dollars.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Stafford Cripps)

None that I am aware of.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman not recall that on 23rd May last, in reply to the hon. Member for Coventry, North (Mr. Edelman), he said that the tourist allowance for France comprised a valuation of £50 as the broad equivalent of 150 American dollars? Does he still adhere to that?

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, I certainly do. I think that £53 11s. 5d. is the broad equivalent of 150 dollars.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Does the Chancellor not admit that he is mulcting the tourist to the tune of nearly £3 10s. in this way?

Sir S. Cripps

No.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Does inaccuracy to the tune of 7 per cent. represent the way in which the right hon. and learned Gentleman handles the nation's finances?