HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 cc83-4W
Mr. Churchill

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to amend the law to provide that eligibility for exemption from duty on motor cars purchased abroad should not be removed from a purchaser who returned to the United Kingdom for compassionate reasons during the one-year qualifying period; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

I shall consider whether an amendment to the law would be desirable when I have studied the report which I have asked for in connection with the case of Lance Corporal Maher.

Mr. Churchill

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make an ex gratia refund to Lance Corporal Paul Maher of the Grenadier Guards of the duty of £543 on a car purchased in West Germany which he was charged because he had returned to the United Kingdom during the one-year exemption period, in view of the fact that Lance Corporal Maher had returned for the sole purpose of attending his infant daughter's funeral.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Her Majesty's Customs and Excise are currently looking into this case and I shall write to my hon. Friend when their inquiries are complete.