§ 53. Mr. Marloweasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the abolition of the basic petrol ration may result in a loss of dollars consequent on the decrease in tourist traffic caused thereby; and what estimate the Treasury has made as to the amount of dollars which will be so lost in a full year as compared with the amount which might have been expected to be earned but for the abolition.
§ Mr. D. JayI have no reason to believe that we will lose any dollars on this account in the coming year.
§ 55. Mr. Collinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the estimated sterling equivalent of the cost in hard currency of restoring the basic petrol ration and removing the restrictions on foreign travel.
§ Mr. JayAt current prices the cost in dollars of restoring the basic petrol ration would be rather over £9 million per annum. The hard currency cost of any future tourist travel would depend entirely on the conditions of relaxation of the existing ban.