§ 36. Mr. Currieasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, on 5th November, bank notes to the value of £5, enclosed as a gift in a letter addressed by K. A. Crawford, Craigaved, County Down, to Able Seaman J. McKnight on board H.M.S. "Hogue", were removed from the said letter and seized by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, King Edward Building, E.C.1; and to what extent the rules governing the export of currency to foreign territory are applicable to Her Majesty's ships.
§ Mr. PowellYes, Sir. The export of United Kingdom banknotes by post to all destinations, including sterling area countries and Her Majesty's ships on overseas stations, is prohibited.
§ Mr. CurrieWhile thanking my hon. Friend for his information, may I ask whether he will consider the possibility of returning the £5 note in question to Mr. Crawford? With the co-operation and assistance of his right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General, will he endeavour to bring the restrictive provisions of the Exchange Control Act, 1947, to the notice of those who send gifts to serving seamen? Will he further consider whether the restrictive provisions of that Act—which was passed by a Socialist Government—applying to Her Majesty's ships should now be repealed?
§ Mr. PowellIn this instance the money will be returned to the sender. I will certainly examine my hon. Friend's suggestion relating to ways in which more publicity may be given to this requirement. It is, I am afraid, necessary that this restriction should be maintained on Her Majesty's ships overseas for the protection of sterling.