HC Deb 24 October 1961 vol 646 c49W
68. Mr. Mathew

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason, and in what circumstances the Customs officers at London Airport have been instructed to deny the normal Customs concessions for certain dutiable articles to young persons bringing presents bought at their own expense as presents to their parents and relations.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The standing Customs concessions for small quantities of tobacco, wines and spirits in passengers' baggage apply only to goods for the passenger's personal consumption. They are not, therefore, extended to children, and if these goods are brought in by children the goods are detained until duty is paid.

Mr. Mathew

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he has entered into an international agreement whereby cigarettes and wines in small quantities within the normal concession limits are seized from young persons bringing them as presents to parents and others by the London Airport Customs; and why he has not taken effective steps to inform passengers of this ruling.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his Question No. 68 today. The scope of the Customs concessions is explained in public notices displayed in all Customs halls.