HC Deb 26 November 1968 vol 774 cc291-2
30. Sir C. Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of the customs service at airports, shipping ports and railway termini in the United Kingdom for the latest year in which figures are available; and how much was collected in duty during the same period by customs officers.

Mr. Harold Lever

In round figures,£18 million and£2¼thousand million in the year ended 31st March. If the hon. Member's interest is confined to staff engaged on the examination of passengers and their baggage, I would refer him to the Written Answer given to his hon. Friend the Member for Esher (Sir W. Robson Brown) on 14th October.

Sir C. Taylor

I did not understand the figures. I ask for only two but I seemed to get three. Will the hon. Gentleman explain which figure applies to what?

Mr. Lever

I gave the hon. Gentleman two figures,£18 million and£2,250 million, the£18 million being the cost of collection and the£2,250 million being the amount collected. I would have thought that without detailed explanation that might have been obvious.