HC Deb 25 April 1952 vol 499 c43W
Sir W. Darling

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that in Form C. 1600, issued by the Customs and Excise, persons in receipt of gifts of foodstuffs are asked whether the goods ordered were ordered by themselves or any other person resident in the United Kingdom; and, in view of the fact that the recipient of a food parcel cannot give an absolute assurance as regards the actions of all the persons resident in the United Kingdom, if he will amend the wording of this form.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The purpose of inquiry Form C. 160D is to ensure that the waiver of licence for imported gifts is confined tobona fide unsolicited gifts. No one has to make statements which he cannot substantiate, but when it is within the recipient's knowledge that the goods have been purchased from this country, the Form requires a declaration to that effect. This procedure has worked well and has provided a useful deterrent to abuse, and I am satisfied that in practice the form serves its purpose. But I am obliged to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to a flaw in the wording of the form, and I have arranged that, when the form is reprinted, qualifying words will be added to meet his point.