To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent progress has been made by the European Commission on his proposal to increase the duty free allowance to £1,000; what recent representations he has received on this issue; and if he will make a statement. (134444)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 April 2007, Official Report, column 402W, to my hon. Friend the hon. Member from Cannock Chase (Dr. Wright).

HMT and HMRC Officials met stakeholders during negotiation of the new tax free allowance for travellers returning from outside the EU. We have also received a small number of letters regarding implementation of the higher allowance since it was agreed.