HC Deb 11 December 1947 vol 445 cc1189-90
52. Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will release from the Customs at Heath- row Airport a wedding present valued at £19 18s. sent by a relative in Brazil to a constituent who is unable to pay the tax and duty of £31 16s. 10d. demanded.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I regret that I cannot make an exception to the rule that private individuals receiving wedding or other presents from abroad must pay any appropriate duty and tax charges.

Mr. Chamberlain

Since no duty or tax has been paid on any of the Royal wedding presents coming into this country, is it not extremely unfair that this girl should be prevented in this way from receiving a necklace from her aunt in Brazil?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I do not want to go into this too far. In the case of the presents which were sent, mostly by foreign Governments, to Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth, the question of international goodwill comes into it, and the considerations which apply are not quite the same.

Mr. Eden

In order to establish a matter of fact, am I not right in saying that tax was paid on a very great many of the Royal wedding presents?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I could not answer that question definitely without notice, but it is likely that it was so.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not desirable that this young working girl should be able to get her present, as it would be an encouragement to production in factories?

Mr. Chamberlain

Is it not correct that the right hon. Gentleman wrote to me recently and told me that no duty or tax was paid; and is this not a most unfair discrimination?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I have here the letter from the hon. Gentleman, but it is not quite on all fours with the Question put to me by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Eden).

Mr. Eden

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into it, in view of this Question? We ought to know the facts.