§ 24. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what saving in foreign exchange during the year ended 5th April, 1967, resulted from the £50 foreign currency limit applied to British people travelling abroad outside the sterling area; and what reduction in overseas travel by Britons outside the sterling area resulted therefrom; and whether he will restore the £250 limit on 1st June, 1967, or earlier.
§ Mr. CallaghanTravel statistics for the year mentioned are not yet available. The answer to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's Question is "No, Sir".
§ Sir G. NabarroIf these figures are not available, how did the Chancellor arrive at the conclusion in his Budget statement that the time was not propitious to be a little more liberal in allowances for British travellers outside the sterling area? Is he not aware that British travellers are now reduced to a humiliating position in Europe by his derisory allowances? Would he not be a little more liberal with a small "1"?
§ Mr. CallaghanA number of reasons enabled me to reach the conclusion I have reached, for example, the applications for additional allowances which are being reduced—I hope the hon. Member has not suffered—as well as the efforts by the travel trade to arrange cheaper holidays. All these have contributed to a useful saving. In present circumstances, when I am still working for a balance of payments surplus this year, I do not think it would be right that other countries should believe that we can let up 293 on a matter of this sort, when anybody can get a reasonable holiday abroad within the existing allowance.
§ Sir G. NabarroIn view of the very unsatisfactory Answer from the Chancellor, I give notice that I shall raise the matter again at the earliest opportunity.