HC Deb 07 February 1957 vol 564 cc591-3
20. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will discuss with the Canadian Government the possibility of coming to some mutual arrangement to make it possible for citizens of the United Kingdom to buy dollars for private visits to Canada.

36. Sir C. Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now prepared to allow a small allocation of

total amount of British capital invested in Canada during each of the years 1947 to 1956, inclusive.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Nigel Birch)

Figures published by the Canadian Government covering the years 1946 to 1955 inclusive show that there was not long-term disinvestment by the United Kingdom of nearly £60 million in total over the years 1946 to 1950, and not investment of nearly £125 million over the years 1951 to 1955. These figures exclude inter-Government loans.

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing figures for individual years.

Following is the table:

dollars for tourists to visit Canada and the United States of America.

Mr. Birch

Although my right hon. Friend cannot commit himself at this stage, he is anxious to provide a basic travel allowance for the dollar area as soon as circumstances permit.

Mr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the present exchange control regulations have prevented a great many people visiting Canada who would wish to do so, which means that few people in this country are getting to know much about Canada? Is he not aware that that may in the end weaken the ties between Canada and the United Kingdom?

Mr. Birch

My right hon. Friend is well aware of the desirability of such an allowance, if it can be managed.