HC Deb 28 February 1933 vol 275 cc186-7
54. Mr. BERNAYS (for Sir PERCY HARRIS)

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on what date and at what port the racehorse Royal Ransom was received in England from the Trish Free State; and what was the amount of customs duty paid?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The disclosure of particulars regarding the transactions of individual importers, which are obtained by the Customs for official purposes only, is open to obvious objections and would be contrary to well established practice. I see no reason to depart from the usual rule in this instance.

Mr. BERNAYS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this particular horse, within six months prior to its entry into this country, had changed hands for £5,000; and is he further aware of the serious allegations being made that pressure was brought upon the Customs officials to put a low and fictitious value upon the horse?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am aware of a great many facts, but, as I have said, it is not our policy to disclose individual transactions. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend, if he is in any doubt about the matter, that the Customs have in the past and will in the future vigilantly protect the interests of the taxpayer.

Mr. BERNAYS

As these are serious allegations, will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have already made inquiries, and that is why I have been able to answer the question.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the sum paid in duty was only one-fifth of the value of the horse, which was sold afterwards within six months? It sold for £5,000 and duty was paid on less than one-fifth of £5,000. Is he aware that this was a direct method of evading the tax, and will he, in the public interest, see that some public statement is made on this subject?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I think I have told the House that I am aware of a good many facts, but I cannot necessarily relate them to this particular question. I do, however, assure the House that every care is taken to avoid any evasion of tax, and proper action is pursued in every case.

Mr. BUCHANAN

But does the Department take any steps where a horse is deliberately valued at a fictitiously low price, and afterwards passes at a much higher value, to recover duty on what is the obvious value of the horse?

Mr. HORE - BELISHA

Certainly, wherever any wrong is done to the community appropriate action is always taken.

Mr. MAXTON

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied in this case—

HON. MEMBERS

Rothschild!

Mr. de ROTHSCHILD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction among racing people on this very point, and will he satisfy public opinion by stating definitely that the right value was put on this horse, that the right amount was paid, and that there was no bribery, as is alleged, of Customs officials?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I hope that if it be necessary to take any action public opinion will be fully satisfied.