asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the number of persons who availed themselves of the currency allowance of £25 for the purpose of travelling outside the sterling area since 1st January last; (b) the total number of persons who were allowed amounts in excess of £25, and (c) the numbers under the separate headings of studies, health, etc., who received permits for allowances in excess of £50.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Currency Travelling Allowances.
During the period in question the amount of the basic travel allowance obtainable for holiday travel outside the sterling area varied as follows:-
January—£100 for adults; £70 for children.
February and March—£50 for adults; £35 for children.
April and subsequently—£25 for adults £15 for children.
During these periods the total allocations in respect of the basic travel allowance were as follows:—
|
£ |
|
|
January |
24,700 |
|
February and March |
47,000 |
|
April to September |
354,000 |
|
TOTAL |
£425,700 |
The number and amount of individual allocations are not recorded statistically in my Department, but on the assumption that since the reduction of the allowances to £25 every traveller drew the full amount appropriate, the number of travellers who availed themselves of the allowance during the period 1st April to 30th September, 1952, would be at least 14,160. As there is no record to show how many children drew the basic rate applicable to them, it cannot be said how many more people than 14,160 actually used the basic allowance, though the number of children was probably small.
The compilation of the information sought at (b) and (c) of the question would necessitate the examination of a large number of forms and files and would involve an expenditure of time and labour which I do not think would be justified in present circumstances.
Do the figures that the Minister has given include the additional motor-car allowance?
I fear that I should have to have notice of that question because the question, as addressed to me, seemed to relate to personal allowances and not to ancillary or subsidiary allowances.