Foreign Currency Allowance

HC Deb 17 March 1953 vol 512 c2054

42. Mr. Jay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of his further discussions with overseas Governments on currency matters, he will now state what is to be the foreign currency allowance for United Kingdom travellers outside the sterling area during 1953.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the right hon. Gentleman on 24th February.

Mr. Jay

As the Chancellor is, after all, the servant of the public, can he not show a little more consideration to the public, and undertake to make a statement at least well before Easter?

Mr. Butler

The answer is that if there is a statement to be made it will be made.

Mr. Gaitskell

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to make a statement before Easter?

Mr. Butler

I have nothing whatever to add to the answer to the original Question on 24th February or to what I have said today.

Mr. Jay

What is stopping the Chancellor making up his mind on this matter?

Mr. Butler

The reason I have stopped answering is that I have no statement to make.