§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) whether he is satisfied with the proper implementation of the regulations governing currency exchange at London Airport;
(2) whether he has any evidence that any improper or illegal currency exchange transactions have taken place or are taking place at London Airport.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI have been asked to reply.
Authorised banks and certain authorised travel agents have been given permission under the Exchange Control Act 1947 to buy and sell foreign exchange. Certain of these authorised issuers operate 182W at Heathrow and other airports within the current rules applicable to this business. There was recently a suggestion that it was quite common for unauthorised persons employed at Heathrow Airport to buy and sell foreign currency. The only evidence available has been of one very minor case some months ago. The British Airports Authority, whose staff were not involved, circulated a notice in May at the Treasury's request reminding all those working at airports managed by the Authority of the exchange control rules and putting them on guard against any suggestion that would involve breaking the law. The full text of the notice read as follows: