§ 19. Mr. Doughtyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has resulted since the Geneva Conference as a result of his representations to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics about the necessity of fixing an improved exchange rate between the £ sterling and the rouble, in order to enable persons living in the sterling area to visit the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as tourists.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerNone, Sir.
§ Mr. DoughtyIs my hon. Friend aware that the very artificial rouble rate is putting a complete stop on British tourist traffic between the two countries?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerYes, Sir. The Soviet Government have been left in no doubt about Her Majesty's Government's views that the present rate of exchange is unrealistic and constitutes an obstacle to contacts between the British and Soviet people.