§ 38. Mr. Priorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make changes in the home trade limits to allow fishermen from the port of Lowestoft to obtain duty-free tobacco.
Mr. AmoryI do not think any change in these long standing rules would be justified. The existing limits apply to fishermen from Lowestoft in the same way as to those from any other port in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. PriorDoes my right hon. Friend realise that this will cause great disappointment to fishermen at Lowestoft and other ports who have long distances to go and are out at sea for greater periods than heretofore? Will he look at this matter again to see if he can change his mind?
Mr. AmoryI should be surprised to know that the present limits give widespread dissatisfaction. They have been current for thirty-five years and were agreed with the British Trawlers Federation. If my hon. Friend has any specific information to the contrary, perhaps he will give it to me.