HC Deb 24 October 1944 vol 404 cc27-8
57. Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what duties and taxes are charged on gifts sent to relatives by troops serving overseas; and what concessions are made.

Sir J. Anderson

Gifts sent to relatives by troops serving overseas are liable on importation to Customs Duty and Purchase Tax at the rates prescribed by law, but, as I explained to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for York (Captain Lord Irwin), on 10th October, I have authorised a concession which permits any member of the Forces serving overseas to send home each year goods to a value of £8 free of Customs Duty and Purchase Tax, subject to certain conditions. Details of the concession have been circulated to all overseas Commands.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this, in fact, operates in all countries overseas, because I have had numbers of letters from troops serving in Italy who say that they do not get any such concession? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into that?

Sir J. Anderson

I would like to look into that; I do not know the answer.

Mr. Bowles

Is it not also a fact that the Americans are exempt from Customs duty on goods they bring into this country?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not know what the American arrangements are.