To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's policy towards duty-free shopping in the United Kingdom. [11589]

The Government's policy is in line with international customs agreements to which the United Kingdom is a party and under which individuals travelling abroad are entitled to purchase goods duty and tax free, up to specified quantitive or monetary limits. Duty-free shopping for intra-EU travellers is due to be abolished on 30 June 1999 in line with the decision taken by the Council of Finance Ministers towards the end of 1991. Duty-free shopping will, however, continue to be available to those travelling to destinations outside the European Union.