HC Deb 10 March 1953 vol 512 cc1116-7
36. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated cost to the Treasury would be, using the basis of the figures available for last year, if the foreign exchange allowance for United Kingdom tourists travelling outside the sterling area for the present year were increased to £35 per tourist.

Mr. Maudling

I estimate that the additional cost in foreign exchange might be from £5 to £6 million in a full year.

Mr. Lewis

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the Government hope to make their announcement about the foreign exchange allowance for tourists?

Mr. Maudling

I cannot add anything to the very full reply made by my right hon. Friend on 23rd February.

Mr. Lewis

But that was not an answer at all. It was a complete evasion.

Mr. Gaitskell

Will the hon. Gentleman convey to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that it is our hope that when he next comes to make a statement on the subject he will do so in a better temper than he did last time?

Mr. Maudling

I shall be glad to convey to my right hon. Friend any serious point made by the right hon. Gentleman.