HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 c1196
57. Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis of authority the Customs and Excise have power to waive Purchase Tax and Customs Duties on goods arriving in this country from abroad, and in respect of what items such waivers have been granted during the past 12 months or other convenient period.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)

The authority may be statutory, a direction by the Treasury, or the discretion of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. As to the articles covered by the discretion it would be quite impracticable to give a list but my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is writing to my hon. Friend on this matter.

Mr. Chamberlain

Does not my hon. Friend think that this is a very dangerous discretion, particularly as it was used quite recently for class discrimination?

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Is not the right hon. Gentleman's Department getting a little tired of hearing these veiled insinuations against the Royal Family?

Mr. Speaker

There was no insinuation against the Royal Family.