HC Deb 03 August 1965 vol 717 cc1253-4
10. Mr. Barnett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consult other Governments with a view to preventing evasion of exchange control regulations by foreign companies.

Mr. MacDermot

There is a constant review of the exchange control regulations to prevent evasion, and I do not think that a new approach to foreign Governments is necessary at this stage.

Mr. Barnett

Would my hon. and learned Friend agree that the circular which I sent him from a Danish firm represents an incitement to illegal evasion of exchange control, particularly the method of sending false invoices representing art text books, for example? Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether he has any evidence as to how widespread or otherwise this practice might be or what action he is taking to stop it?

Mr. MacDermot

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for having drawn my attention to the circular. I am not anxious to publicise the action which we are taking to deal with it. I have no information to indicate that this practice is widespread.