§ 2.36 p.m.
§ EARL FORTESCUEMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Barnby, I beg to ask the question standing in his name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in view of the substantial numbers of visitors to the U.K. from U.S.A. and Canada, and following from that the desire to free them from avoidable irritation from regulations in force, and the reported large increases in available supplies, they will now permit purchases of apparel at retail against presentation of dollar currency (absorbing purchase tax where applicable) without further formalities, or alternatively facilitate purchases of any articles of apparel against letter of credit funds free of purchase tax.]
992§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, under the Tourist Voucher Scheme already in force, visitors to the United Kingdom who produce a passport, other than a United Kingdom passport, to a bank and exchange at least £25 of foreign currency can obtain a book of six tourist vouchers, each valid for one purchase of rationed clothing or footwear. These goods may be delivered to the visitor forthwith but, as in the case of all goods delivered in this country, purchase tax is charged where applicable. Under a second scheme, known as the Personal Export Scheme, rationed goods may be bought without coupons by a visitor, provided that they are dispatched to an address abroad, or to a shipping or other travel company or agent, for shipment on the ship or 'plane on which the visitor is leaving. In the case of such purchases from a trader's untaxed stock, purchase tax would not normally be charged, as the goods are not delivered in this country. Payment is made in the appropriate currency, through banking channels or by means of travellers' cheques.
These two schemes are being extensively used by visitors, and should meet all reasonable requirements. In the present state of supplies, unlimited facilities for the delivery of rationed apparel inside this country could not safely be given to tourists. In addition, there are exchange control objections to the acceptance of foreign currency notes by retailers. For these reasons, I regret that the noble Earl's suggestions cannot be accepted.
§ EARL FORTESCUEI am grateful to the noble Lord for his answer, which I will convey to my noble friend.