§ Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that gift parcels of cigarettes sent from abroad to members of the Forces are charged with a duty per pound of £1 4s. 7d. full, and £1 1s. 5¼d. preferential; and whether, in view of the feeling of consignors and consignees, that this is an impost which could suitably be waived, he will have the matter reconsidered?
§ Captain CrookshankThe rates of duty mentioned are those properly chargeable. Arrangements are already available, or contemplated, whereby duty is waived on gifts sent from overseas to individuals serving with the Dominion, Colonial or Allied Forces and to Dominion, Colonial and Allied nationals serving in the Home or Allied Forces. The grounds for such concessions do not apply to United Kingdom nationals serving with the Forces in this country and I regret that I cannot see my way to give it the wider application suggested by the hon. Member.