§ Mr. ROBINSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the male servants tax is demanded by local taxation authorities in Great Britain from foreign tourists bringing their own chauffeurs solely for the purpose of touring; and whether, in order to encourage foreign tourists to come to this country, he will consider the removal of this tax?
§ Mr. COOPERThe county councils and county boroughs in England and Wales are solely responsible for the administration of the Male Servants Duty in England and Wales, and I have no information as to their practice in this matter. In Scotland, where the Board of Customs administer the duty, a period of grace of three weeks is allowed. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Hitchin Division (Sir A. Wilson) on the 8th July, of which I am sending him a copy.