50. Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methods are used by his Department to ensure that there is no illegal speculation in British currency by British nationals.
§ Mr. TaverneI assume my hon. Friend is referring to speculation involving foreign exchange. The prime method is prevention and this is effected by drawing the exchange control rules as tightly as possible. If infringements of the rules are suspected, the Treasury has extensive powers of investigation but it would not be advisable to disclose details of the methods used.