HC Deb 24 January 1963 vol 670 cc251-2
3. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Aberdeen trawler "Bervie Braes" of Aberdeen had recently to travel from Aberdeen to Skagen in Denmark for a winch which could have been supplied in Aberdeen and there fitted to the ship but for certain restrictive Customs regulations, thereby causing loss and unemployment to Aberdeen workers; and if he will alter those regulations in order to avoid their operation in these ways.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Edward du Cann)

The parts needed to repair the winch were not available in Aberdeen and would have had to be specially imported. There need have been no delay in Customs clearance, but as there is no direct freight service between Aberdeen and Denmark the time taken to obtain the parts would have been about three weeks. The trawler manager therefore decided that it would be quicker for the trawler to proceed direct to Denmark for the repair. The suggestion that the decision was due to Customs requirements is incorrect.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister look further into this matter? He is quite mistaken in thinking that the winch could not have been supplied in Aberdeen. Will he also look into the restrictive Customs regulations which, interpreted in that hostile way, are bad for trade, industry, commerce and employment in the whole of Britain, and particularly in Aberdeen? Will he therefore set up an inquiry of experts to look into the points that I have just made, with a view to seeing that the regulations are either amended or, alternatively, are properly and constructively administered in the interests of British trade, industry, commerce and employment?

Mr. du Cann

I shall be happy to examine any further evidence that the hon. and learned Member cares to let me have. I am fully satisfied that the Answer that I gave him is correct. I am particularly satisfied that there are no unusual delays in Customs clearances such as this.