HC Deb 13 December 1956 vol 562 cc78-9W
69. Sir J. Lucas

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will authorise the Customs authorities to waive Purchase Tax on single articles such as cameras brought back by British subjects expelled from Egypt, more particularly as many arrive penniless; and if he will have refunded sums already paid.

Mr. H. Brooke

Cameras and other personal effects are admitted free of Purchase Tax and Customs Duty, if they have been owned and used abroad by the importers for a considerable period. The Customs are giving all possible consideration to refugees from Egypt and elsewhere who arrive in distressed circumstances, but I do not think it could be accepted that Customs charges should automatically be waived on such articles as valuable cameras recently acquired abroad.