TIMING OF ABOLITION OF DUTY FREE

Early day motion 1339, tabled 18 May 1998 by Lord Hammond of Runnymede (Conservative). Signed by 23 members.

That this House calls on the Government as President of the European Union to take the lead at the ECOFIN meeting on Wednesday 20th May to postpone the abolition of duty free in June 1999 until a full study of the economic and practical implications has been carried out, as supported by a number of other member states; is dismayed at the feeble response of the Financial Secretary in the debate on duty free on 6th May when she merely said that the Government would not 'stand in the way' of such a study; recognises the importance of the duty free trade in generating income and employment for airports, airlines, ports, ferry operators and their supply industries across the country; fears that the abolition of duty free will also increase the incentive to avoid duty by smuggling; and calls on honourable Members representing airports and seaports to support the postponement of abolition until such a study has taken place.

Signatures by party: Conservative 16, Liberal Democrat 5, Labour 1, Scottish National Party 1.