HC Deb 21 July 1970 vol 804 cc71-2W
Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government accepts Recommendation No. 571 on the introduction between member states of simplified customs arrangements in respect of goods carried in travellers' luggage or contained in gift parcels, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 2nd October, 1969; and whether they will comply with the proposals made in paragraph 4 of this recommendation.

Mr. Higgins

For travellers' baggage, the United Kingdom already gives statutory reliefs similar to those recommended, and the Government therefore accepts this part of the Recommendation in principle, on the understanding that its application may vary from one country to another in the light of local circumstances. The Government does not accept the recommendation on gift parcels, but concessions, based on somewhat different considerations, already exist which enable a very large number of gifts sent to this country by post to be admitted without payment of Customs charges.