HL Deb 06 November 1998 vol 594 c65WA
Lord Brabazon of Tara

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they support the recent European directive on the sale of duty-paid goods on board aircraft and ships on intra-European Union journeys; and how they intend to enforce it. [HL3654]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

There has been no recent European directive on the sale of duty paid goods. However the Commission has come forward with a revised suggestion concerning the sale of duty paid goods on board ships and aircraft on intra-EU journeys after 30 June 1999.

The new arrangements are based on the existing provisions of Council Directive 92/12/EEC. At the EU Excise Committee meeting on 1 October, the UK reserved its position to allow time for a full appraisal of the Commission's revised position. The question of how such a system may be enforced, should it be adopted, is being addressed as part of these deliberations.