§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will oppose proposals within the European Community that duty-free sales should be prohibited in respect of flights between member countries of the Community, in view of the adverse effects on United Kingdom airlines of the proposal and the consequent increase in fares which would be likely to result.
§ Mr. Sproat[pursuant to his reply, 8 February 1982, c. 244]: Her Majesty's Government are now studying a communication on this subject, which we have just received from the European Commission. Since it suggests no change in the excise duty and VAT concessions for travellers, the effect on United Kingdom airlines will not be as my hon. Friend suggests.