HC Deb 22 July 1949 vol 467 c1708

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

11.15 a.m.

Sir William Darling (Edinburgh, South)

I should like to ask a question about this Clause. It is concerned with the affairs of this important part of the British Isles which rarely come before the House. I think that some Minister might give us information about these duties. Is there any budgetry statement to be made? What is the extent of the importations, and what are the retail prices? Is there an increase or a decrease in consumption of wines imported from the Isle of Man? What is the justification for this change? Is it to secure more revenue for the Crown or less? All these seem to be questions which arise on this and other Clauses of the Bill.

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

The Isle of Man, for Customs purposes, is a part of the United Kingdom, but it levies its own duties. Almost invariably it follows the line taken in the Finance Bill of this country. It passes resolutions that are embodied in a Bill which goes through the House. As the hon. Member no doubt will remember, we altered the duties on light wines, and all that Clause 2 does is to make the Isle of Man customs conform to what is now the law of this country.

Sir W. Darling

Is the Isle of Man legislature desirous that this should happen, or do they accept it as a matter of course? Have they expressed any opinion on the matter in the House of Keys?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

As far as Clause 2 is concerned, a resolution was passed on 8th April to this effect.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 3 to 7 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedules agreed to.

Bill reported without Amendment; read the Third time, and passed.