§ Mr. Colvinasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the loss of jobs and revenue in complying with the European Economic Community proposal to charge full customs duty on goods produced outside the European Economic Community which are now sold duty-free to air and sea passengers; and if he has made representations against this proposal.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneThe proposed change would have little effect. The customs duty element is in general a very small part of the total relief from revenue charges and a significant proportion of total sales would not be affected at all. Moreover, the proposal relates only to sales to passengers travelling between member States. The Government have in principle accepted the proposal which stems from a judgment of the European Court.