HC Deb 02 July 1957 vol 572 cc862-3
6. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what purpose Her Majesty's Customs and Excise are still retaining bank guarantee bonds in respect of the theatrical Entertainments Duty until May, 1958.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The Customs retain these for a period to enable them to satisfy themselves that no further liability is likely to arise under them.

Mr. Jeger

Since all liabilities are settled week by week and duty has now been abolished—thanks to the Chancellor accepting the advice of the Labour Party which we have been advocating for some time—will the Chancellor tell the Customs and Excise to stop this rather pedantic holding of an out-of-date certificate of warranty given by the banks?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I understand that some of these obligations have not been discharged, but if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I shall do what I can to help.