HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 cc89-90W
59. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in respect of what sums of uncollected Customs duties in the Seychelles he has used his power of waiver in the last five years; and for what reasons these sums were uncollected.

Mr. Hare

The Seychelles Legislative Council, with my approval, authorised the write-off of Customs dues totalling £89,651. These sums were uncollected between the middle of 1950 and the beginning of 1954 owing to the application of the minimum rate of duty on still wines in cask which, because of their alcoholic content, should have attracted duty at a higher rate. The bulk of the sum arose from the import of low-priced South African wine.