§ 4. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the President of the National Union of Mineworkers has had to pay Customs Duty on two gold watches given to him as a gift by the American Mineworkers' Union, whereas other travellers last year were allowed to bring in gifts free of duty; and what is the reason for the difference of treatment on payment of Customs Duty.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe gold watch presented to Sir Will Lawther by the American Mineworkers' Union has been admitted free of Customs charges under Section 11 of the Finance Act, 1933. The gold watch presented to Lady Lawther on the same occasion is not admissible under this provision, and Customs charges have been levied as in other similar cases.
§ Mr. LewisIs the hon. Gentleman aware that since I put this Question down the Prime Minister kindly intervened, and that it was arising out of that kind intervention that Sir Will Lawther got his money back? Can the hon. Gentleman say why this charge was made in the first instance? Was there any neglect?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThis is a somewhat infrequently used statutory provision, and I think the Customs officer concerned was perhaps imperfectly aware of it at the moment. No doubt the hon. Gentleman will seek an appropriate opportunity to express his appreciation to my right hon. Friend.