HC Deb 31 January 1967 vol 740 cc221-2
5. Mr. Onslow

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what studies are being made of the application of electronic data processing techniques to the handling of air freight by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

Mr. Diamond

Customs are cooperating with the major United Kingdom and foreign airlines in a joint expert study of the possibilities of applying electronic data processing techniques to the handling and Customs clearance of air freight, with particular reference in the first instance to Heathrow Airport.

Mr. Onslow

When are these studies likely to be completed? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, if electronic data processing is not introduced, in about three years' time Heathrow air freight is likely to come to a standstill? May we have an assurance that, whatever action the Customs and Excise takes, it will remember that the new techniques should be fully compatible with those that the airlines want to use?

Mr. Diamond

It is because of this that we have taken the initiative in setting up this examination. It is expected that the examination will take about 12 months to complete and the growth in traffic at London Airport is, as the hon. Gentleman indicated, likely to expand very considerably.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

Would not the best way to prevent freight piling up at Heathrow be to build a new airport elsewhere?

Mr. Diamond

That is a different matter.