HC Deb 10 January 1978 vol 941 cc720-1W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give a detailed list of the monthly allowance of tax-free wines, spirits and cigarettes allowed to be purchased by British diplomats; and whether this applies whether they are serving at home or abroad.

Mr. Tomlinon

British diplomats serving at home are not permitted to purchase duty-free wines, spirit or cigarette in this country.

Those serving abroad are normally allowed by the host country to buy such items locally, or to import them, duty-free. It is the responsibility of the host country to limit quantities if they consider this necessary, though the Diplomatic Service makes it own checks to prevent abuses.