§ Lord Bethellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are in favour of increasing duty free allowances for travellers between European Community countries and, if so, whether they will indicate the timing and extent of the increases which they favour.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Arts (The Earl of Gowrie):I can confirm that the Government support proposals for increased allowances which so far have been put forward. However, the agreement of all the member states is required before proposals can be implemented. A package of proposals, which included increases to two of the allowances in question, was put to the Internal Market Council last December but, unfortunately, complete agreement could not be reached and the package as a whole was unacceptable. The particular proposals were for an increase in the still table wine allowance from 4 to 5 litres and for the 'other goods' allowance to be increased by annual increments from its present level of £163 (280 ECUs) to reach an amount currently estimated at £237 (400 ECUs) by 1987. It is hoped that fresh proposals may be agreed later this year.