§ 31. Mr. C. Johnsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements exist, or are proposed, at London Heathrow and Gatwick airports for the provision of duty-free shops for transit and departing passengers.
§ Sir E. BoyleDuty-free liquor can already be bought at Heathrow, and discussions are in progress about the sale in the new long-haul building of other goods free of Import Duty and Purchase Tax. There are no such facilities at Gatwick.
§ Mr. JohnsonAs duty-free shops are being increasingly provided at international airports and are very popular with tourists, whom we wish to come here in increasing numbers, will the hon. Gentleman see that this matter is pursued with vigour?
§ Sir E. BoyleI can assure the hon. Gentleman that I hope that discussions about Heathrow will be completed within the next month. I certainly agree with the hon. Gentleman; it is quite an important point. There are real difficulties at Gatwick. Until the terminal building there is further developed it would be difficult to make further space available, but the possibility of a duty-free liquor counter is being examined.