HL Deb 14 March 1979 vol 399 cc744-5WA
Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What import duty would normally be payable on gifts of jewellery valued at over a million pounds.

The MINISTER of STATE, PRIVY COUNCIL OFFICE (Baroness Birk)

Imports of jewellery consisting of precious metal, whether or not set with precious stones, are normally liable to import duty at 4.5 per cent. of their value. Necklaces and bracelets consisting of pearls or precious stones are normally liable to duty at 7 per cent. Goods originating in certain countries and territories may be admissible free of duty under preferential arrangements.