HC Deb 13 May 1999 vol 331 c205W
21. Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future of duty-free sales. [83209]

Dawn Primarolo

Duty free sales on journeys made wholly with the European Union are due to end from 30 June as a result of a decision taken by the Council of Finance Ministers in 1991. The Government are pressing for an extension to allow time to work out better duty paid arrangements. However, we have never underestimated the difficulty of this task as it requires unanimity among member states. The Government will continue to press for the best and most sensible deal possible for the UK. Duty free sales on journeys made to countries outside the EU will continue unaffected after 30 June 1999.