The sooner HM Customs and Revenue realise that the Classic Bike market in the UK is worth some £4 BILLION each year (well that's what I read somewhere) and that many British Classic Bike enthusiasts just won't import old parts that are 30, 40, 50 years old because of the crippling Import Duty, unreasonable Handling Charges and VAT, if these unfair charges were removed, the market could actually improve....maybe up to £5 or £6 Billion annual figure might be realistic.
That's a lot of extra cash moving round the UK economy (and overseas I admit) so IMHO it's a 'No Brainer'.........it's just a pity that many of our Senior Civil Servants also appear to have 'No Brains' either !