asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the desirability of assisting in the expansion of Anglo-French tourist traffic and the fact that such expansion is being hindered by the inadequate supply of Customs officials during the busy season, he will take steps forthwith to recruit from retired police officers and other suitable persons a supplementary Customs staff who will be able to provide the necessary facilities during the busy seasons.

This work calls for long Customs training and experience without which any temporarily recruited staff would be unsuitable. The arrangements already made should enable the existing Customs staff and pensioner volunteers to cope with peak traffic by the normal cross-Channel services. As to any new traffic, such as day trips by excursion steamers, I have previously explained to the hon. Member that, apart from staffing, other difficulties combine to make any such trips impracticable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make an early announcement as to the possibility of providing increased exchange facilities for travel between Great Britain and France during the current year.

I am not at present prepared to make any further increase of exchange facilities for travel.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now able to make a full statement as to the facilities which he proposes should be available to French and British motorists touring in Great Britain and France, respectively; and whether, in view of the improved position relating to sterling petrol supplies and the desirability of improving Anglo-French trade and tourist traffic, he will endeavour to improve the present position as far as possible.

As far as touring by British motorists abroad is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer given today to the Question from the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner). The currency facilities available to French motorists touring in Great Britain are a matter for the French Government.