HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 cc92-3W
59. Mr. Odey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will instruct the Exchange Control Advisory Committee which deals with applications for exchange for purposes of medical treatment abroad to withdraw their printed statement to the effect that they are unable to enter into correspondence with regard to applications received, so that, in future, such applications can be determined by the fullest medical evidence that is available.

70. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in what circumstances the Exchange Control Authorities intimate to applicants that they will not enter into correspondence in regard to applications for foreign exchange facilities.

Sir S. Cripps

The Exchange Control Medical Advisory Committee have never in fact refused to consider additional medical evidence when submitted on behalf of an applicant. The sentence to which the hon. Member for Howdenshire (Mr. Odey) refers no longer appears in the printed forms as now issued by the Committee. I am not aware of any other such intimation having been given by the Exchange Control Authorities.

60. Mr. Odey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the names of the Exchange Control Advisory Committee who deal with applications for foreign exchange for the purpose of medical treatment abroad; how frequently they meet; and what was the date of their last meeting.

Sir S. Cripps

The members of the Committee are all distinguished medical specialists, but I do not think that it would be advisable to disclose their names. The Committee meets every two or three months for consideration of matters of policy and points of principle. The last full meeting was held on 29th October, 1948. Individual applications are considered by two or more members of the Committee. If they are in agreement their decision is accepted. In the event of disagreement, or in cases of doubt, further members of the Committee are consulted and if necessary the opinions of outside specialists are obtained.

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