§ 40. Mr. Ian Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War what financial arrangements are made for British troops attached to American units in the Korean theatre of war.
§ Mr. HeadBritish troops attached to United States' units in Korea may obtain advances of pay in dollar scrip converted at the official rate of exchange. In view of the imperative need to limit dollar expenditure to essentials, the amounts that may be drawn are restricted. The limits for an officer vary between the dollar equivalents of £27 and £15 a month; for other ranks between some £16 and £8. I have made special inquiries and find that there have been locally no complaints of the inadequacy of these amounts.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhat is the present rate of exchange?
§ Mr. HeadI should not like to answer that question, which is outside the scope of my responsibility, without notice.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Marcus LiptonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a system of barter whereby British manufactured spirits are exchanged for American heating stoves, and things of that kind?
§ Mr. HeadNo arrangement made by this House or anywhere else will, I think, prevent the British soldier from engaging in barter when he feels like it.