HC Deb 19 December 1984 vol 70 cc281-2
7. Mr. Favell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress towards eliminating all barriers to trade in the internal market of the European Community.

Mr. Channon

The Government have taken a leading role in the Council of Ministers in eliminating barriers to internal trade. Yesterday we made a major step forward on simpler documentation for customs purposes—the so-called single administrative document. Other practical measures already secured include many common industrial standards, better opening hours at custom posts and faster clearance of lorries. We shall continue to press vigorously for progress.

Mr. Favell

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his achievement yesterday. May we have more details about what the agreement achieves? Will he tell us more about the faster clearance of lorries, which is immensely important to the haulage industry?

Mr. Channon

When it comes into force the single document will replace about 70 forms now needed for goods circulating within the Community. It will reduce and standardise the information which traders must provide and, over a period of years, it will provide savings for traders, Governments and all those involved in trade. I think that it is a step forward which the whole Community will welcome.

Mr. McCrindle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the European Parliament has called for an investigation into the different approaches of customs officers at internal borders? Does he agree that there are differences of approach which we could do well to iron out if trade is to be maximised?

Mr. Channon

There are certainly differences of approach and there are many historical reasons for them. We are making progress in that area with this document and with the measures to facilitate movement at frontiers in general. We shall continue to do so. I shall consider my hon. Friend's point.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Skinner.

Mr. Skinner

Yes, Mr. Speaker, you must provide balance.

Mr. Kirkwood

It is about time that the hon. Gentleman tried doing so.

Mr. Skinner

The hon. Gentleman is only a whippersnapper.

When the Minister goes to the Common Market to try to dismantle these barriers to trade—[HON. MEMBERS: "We are already in it".] I am talking about the Minister going on a trip on a gravy train. Will he, when he goes have a word with the two clever ex-Commissioners, who, during the last two weeks of their tenure of office, have suddenly become vice-Presidents? They have done that to line their pockets to the tune of a further £2,500 a year in pension payments. It is a scandal—

Mr. Speaker

Order—

Mr. Skinner

—and it is a barrier to trade.

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