British Tourists, France (Car Allowance)

HC Deb 16 May 1950 vol 475 cc1009-10

68. Mr. Donner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will double the £10 motor car allowance for British tourists to France.

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir.

Mr. Donner

In view of the desire of the Foreign Secretary to facilitate travel between Britain and France, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say why he refuses to make this concession? If possible, would he say what it would cost in foreign exchange?

Sir S. Cripps

We consider the present amount allowed for motor cars is quite sufficient in proportion to the amount allowed for ordinary travel—£50.

Mr. Donner

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this amount is not sufficient to carry a car half-way through France, and certainly not to the south of France?

Sir S. Cripps

But the ordinary travel allowance can do some of the rest.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman taken into account the encouragement to British motorists to go to France provided by the unlimited petrol available, of which the dollar component is paid by this country?

Sir S. Cripps

Certainly.