§ Mr. Bodyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will list the foodstuffs imported into the United Kingdom in respect of which levies had to be paid on 1st November 1976 and on 1st May 1976.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonAgricultural levies are raised on a wide range of imported foodstuffs, which are identified in Her Majesty's Customs and Excise tariff of symbols, the interpretation of which is explained in Part 3A of the preamble to that publication. On many of these items monetary compensatory amounts are payable as a subsidy and abate any levy chargeable.
On 1st November 1976 and 1st May 1976 there were charges on all leviable items other than the following, for which the levies were nil:
sion to withdraw Civil Service staff support on the work of the national savings movement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe Civil Service support staff to the national savings 735W movement will be completely withdrawn by 31st March 1978 and the resulting saving in manpower will amount to about 580 staff. The estimated saving in salaries and allied costs amount to £2.7 million in a full financial year. The net saving in public expenditure from the withdrawal of the official staff will depend on the extent of any continued financial support the Government then give to the movement. We believe that the voluntary movement will still have a worthwhile educational part to play, particularly in the teaching of saving, and sound management of personal finances, to young people in schools and places of employment. The movement is currently considering what its future role should be.