HC Deb 18 December 1972 vol 848 cc296-7W
Mr. John Morris

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why Guardsman Arthur of the First Battalion Welsh Guards was informed that he had to pay £103.50 on his Mini-Clubman car at Dover on 6th December.

Mr. Higgins

Because he had not owned and used the car abroad for the minimum period of 12 months which is necessary to qualify for relief from import duty and purchase tax.

Mr. John Morris

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will instruct Her Majesty's Customs that the interruption of service in Germany by a four-month posting to Northern Ireland by members of Her Majesty's forces will not affect their privileges of importing possessions bought more than 12 months before re-entry to the United Kingdom, although the Northern Ireland service occurs during a part of the last 12 months.

Mr. Higgins

Relief from import duty and purchase tax under the Customs Duty (Personal Reliefs) Order 1970 is restricted to goods owned and used abroad by the importer for at least 12 months.