§ 16. Mr. Fallonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to simplify formalities at frontiers within the European Economic Community so far as they restrict the movement of trade.
§ Mr. ChannonThe Government have played a leading role in getting Council time devoted to reducing frontier formalities. We have concentrated, with some success, on better opening hours at customs posts, cutting down documentation and faster clearance of lorries.
§ Mr. FallonWhy are countries such as France and Italy still allowed to cripple the free flow of goods by bureaucratic customs procedures, and when can Darlington Hauliers, which was caught up in last month's strike, expect either compensation or faster action by industry Ministers to complete the market?
§ Mr. ChannonI entirely agree with my hon. Friend that it is strongly in British interests to reduce ridiculous administrative and other formalities at frontiers. We are making progress and there will soon be one form, rather than about 11, to fill in. I assure my hon. Friend that we shall continue to press for action on that front.
§ Mr. Hugh BrownOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerI shall take points of order after the private notice question.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I normally take points of order after Question Time. I call Mrs. McCurley to ask a private notice question.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I said that I would take the point of order after Question Time.