§ 59. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, on completion of a certificate to this effect, he will permit one bona fidegift per annum from a near relative, not exceeding £2 in value, to be admitted into this country without duty or Purchase Tax, in view of the heavy cost of collection in proportion to the value and the hardship to those of small means.
§ Mr. GaitskellNo, Sir. I am afraid the administrative costs required to police such a concession would far outweigh any saving in collection costs.
§ Mr. FreemanCan my right hon. Friend anticipate his next Budget statement and consider something along these lines, especially in view of the precedent 2148 which he has in allowing small quantities of tobacco and wine to be brought in without paying duty?
§ Mr. GaitskellThat is a very old precedent, but I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to another concession, that regarding food parcels and other things, which are allowed in free up to 22 lb. in weight.
§ Mr. FreemanWill the Chancellor consider those other points?