§ Q6. Mr. Gibson-Wattasked the Prime Minister whether the public speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the International Boat Show at Earl's Court about the balance of payments and holidays abroad on 5th January represents Government policy.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe Chancellor is apparently against people in this country taking holidays abroad on the ground of cost. As there is public concern about this, particularly in the tourist industry, will the Prime Minister give the assurance that it is not the Government's intention to restrict holidays abroad?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the duty of the Government to limit overseas expenditure in any way we can. Therefore, voluntary action—I emphasise voluntary action—by residents of this country to limit expenditure on foreign exchange is perfectly reasonable and a reasonable thing for the Chancellor to suggest in his speech. Certainly, I can confirm that we do not propose any statutory or similar action on this matter. As the hon. Member will know, it is already covered by our obligations under the International Monetary Fund and, I think, O.E.C.D.