HC Deb 12 May 1964 vol 695 cc200-1
8. Mr. David James

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will authorise the installation of duty-free shops in the incoming, as well as the outgoing, lounges of international airports in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Maudling

No, Sir.

Mr. James

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this proposal would, first of all, prevent aircraft from flying out with their bellies filled with cigarettes, scent and spirits for sale on the way home; that it would beguile passengers awaiting the Customs, and that it would assist airlines like British European Airways which do not seem to have as much time to sell duty-free goods to their passengers as do other airlines?

Mr. Maudling

It is an interesting and novel proposal, but there is no real analogy with the duty-free shops for outgoing passengers, whose purpose is to assist exports by getting people to buy our goods and take them away. As for the carriage of these goods on aircraft, I have, in my Budget, made some advances in the matter.

Mr. James

But does not my right hon. Friend agree that Scotch whisky, for example, sold to incoming Finns is as valuable as it is when sold at London Airport to outgoing passengers?

Mr. Maudling

I would rather take the duty as well as the price.