HC Deb 13 February 1962 vol 653 c1093
1. Mr. B. Harrison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what concessions are made to members of diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom to purchase, free of Purchase Tax or import duties, cars of British or foreign origin.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

A diplomat with full diplomatic privilege does not at any time bear revenue charges on a car, whether British or of foreign manufacture, bought for his personal use. Other members of missions import their cars free of such charges at their first arrival, on appointment here. The charges become payable on any cars which are disposed of in this country.

Mr. Harrison

Does not my right hon. and learned Friend think that it is rather silly that members of the Diplomatic Corps should be able to import a car without Purchase Tax or other duties, whereas, if they buy one here, before taking it away they have to pay the tax and get a refund and so have an additional inconvenience?

Mr. Lloyd

I will consider my hon. Friend's point, but I think that what has been the practice up to now is not really too bad a one.