HC Deb 16 April 1973 vol 855 cc15-6W
Mr. Simeons

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) why no movement certificate forms necessary for exports are available at Luton and Northampton offices of Customs and Excise;

(2) what action he is taking to ensure that Customs at Luton, Northampton and London are provided with movement certificate forms to enable exporters in Luton to move their goods.

Mr. Higgins

Under the various EEC free trade agreements with the countries remaining in EFTA, exports from the United Kingdom to those countries are required as from 1st April to have movement certificates in order to obtain preferential tariff treatment.

Demand for these forms has been very heavy and in some customs offices initial stocks of the forms were exhausted. Steps were taken to replenish stocks as quickly as possible, and further supplies were delivered to the customs offices mentioned on 10th April 1973.