HC Deb 21 April 1989 vol 151 cc328-9W
Mr. Butler

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any plans to increase the duty free limit on personal imports of gifts into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lilley

The travellers' allowances for goods purchased duty free for importation as personal gifts are provided for under European Community legislation. The Government has long supported the Commission's proposals to increase substantially the £32 allowance for goods other than tobacco, spirits, wines and so on, but it has not so far been possible to obtain the necessary agreement of all member states.