§ 56. Mrs. TATEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider classifying cups and trophies won as prizes in competitive sports in foreign countries under one heading for the purpose of import duties; and if he will instruct customs officers at the ports not to charge duty on these articles?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)As regards the first part of the question I am afraid that such a classification would not be suitable. As regards the second part there is no power under the existing law to waive the appropriate customs duty chargeable on the cups and trophies referred to, and therefore I am not in a position to issue such an instruction as my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Mrs. TATEIn view of the fact that British subjects who win trophies in international contests render very real service to British industry, would it not be passible to consider amending the law with regard to these trophies?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have explained -that that would probably involve a change in the law. From the customs point of view a trophy is what it is made of, and it is very difficult to discover a suitable alternative definition.
§ Mr. PERKINSDo I understand that if in the next vacation I go flying abroad 2359 in order to advertise British aircraft, and I come back with a trophy, I shall have to pay duty on it?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI hope my hon. Friend will carry out his threat.