HC Deb 20 May 1958 vol 588 cc1073-4
3. Mr. Wade

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions he has given to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise regarding the sale of imported goods that have been seized at prices substantially below the prices at which they could be sold if duty had been paid on them.

Mr. Amory

Goods forfeited to the Customs are sold by competitive tender at prices which normally include any import duties. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will let me have details, I will look into it.

Mr. Wade

As I have an advertisement which reads: Sensational scoop purchase from H.M. Customs and Excise. Once again outbidding rivals we have bought in for our customers the most amazing consignment of dress materials from H.M. Customs and Excise…which we now offer exclusively at fantastically low prices", would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to consider this matter? Would he agree that it would be unfair to honest importers to have to pay duty if Her Majesty's Customs and Excise sold at substantially lower prices, or does he contemplate scrapping import duties altogether?

Mr. Amory

No. I think that I agree with the hon. Gentleman in principle. As far as I am aware, the Customs always endeavour to get the best price obtainable from the market.