§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations were held with representatives of the shipping industry prior to the decision to revise Customs boarding procedures; what representations have been received from the industry since the issue of revised instructions; and if he will suspend the proposed changes whilst representations are considered.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe revised Customs boarding procedures were part of a much wider group of recommendations flowing from a departmental review of preventive controls. Once the shape of the proposed changes was established a Press notice was issued on 5th October 1977 and consultations with representatives of the shipping industry have since taken place, and are continuing, at both central and local levels.
Representations have been made by the General Council of British Shipping, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, the Mercantile Marine Service Association, the London General Shipowners' Society and various other local interests. As a result a variety of points is being considered by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.
The introduction of selective boarding will, in the main, be a gradual process, with continuous scope for discussion of any local difficulties, and I see no need to suspend the implementation of the changes due to be made on 1st April 1978.