HC Deb 16 October 1946 vol 427 cc872-3
6. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the excise and customs duties charged on cigarettes imported for sale into Gibraltar; and how this compares with the same duties charged in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Creech Jones

The rate of duty in Gibraltar is Is. per lb. British preferential and is. bd. per lb. general with, in addition, Is. 3d. in each case per 100 cigarettes or part thereof. I understand that the rate of duty in the United Kingdom is £1 18s. 2½d. per lb. British preferential at £2 os. 7d. per lb. general.

Mr. Davies

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this negligible tax on the import of tobacco into Gibraltar has enabled it to be used as a very large base for dealings in the black market in Spain, to which country there is a very large smuggling trade?

Mr. Creech Jones

I have heard that allegation and am looking into it.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is it not hard on the Gibraltarians now in Northern Ireland, and will he allow them to go back and enjoy cheap tobacco?