§ Mr. Gaitskellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he is prepared to provide foreign exchange for travel or emigration to destinations outside the sterling area.
§ Mr. DaltonWith the abolition of the exit permit system announced recently, anyone with a valid passport may leave this country, though transport is very limited. I have decided that it would be right to make a modest provision of exchange for travel outside the sterling area, and I am therefore arranging that foreign exchange to a value not exceeding £100 for adults and £50 for children under 16 may be obtained for such journeys in the twelve months beginning 1st November, 1945. This is additional to the facilities already in operation for business travellers, which are not altered in principle though certain administrative changes are being introduced. The banks will shortly be in a position to answer inquiries about details.
Persons leaving this country for permanent residence outside the sterling area must satisfy the Exchange Control that genuine emigration is intended. Pending recognition of the emigrant as a permanent resident in his country of adoption, the Exchange Control will allow each migrating household to draw from its funds here up to £5,000 by reasonable instalments, normally over a period of four years.
These facilities will be kept under close review, and their continuance will depend 1531W on the exigencies of the exchange situation, which for the time being prevent their application to Switzerland.