§ Mr. Hordernasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the loss of revenue if the import and export of manufactured goods in Northern Ireland were exempt from duty.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneAny loss of revenue would be in respect of imports from third countries subject to customs duties which are payable to the European Communities as "own resources". There are no duties on exports. It is not possible to quantify the revenue involved, as dutiable manufactures ultimately intended for Northern Ireland may have been imported, and customs duty paid, elsewhere within the Community. However, in 1980–81 manufactures accounted for about 75 per cent. of customs duties totalling £817 million collected in the United Kingdom of which it is estimated that about £25 million was borne by residents of Northern Ireland.