§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence there is of an improvement in the speed with which goods are cleared through customs since the adoption of the single administrative document.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 22 February 1988]: The introduction of the single administrative document and 192W spirits in the European Economic Community and the level of duty imposed on them; and what equivalent information he has for the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. LilleyInformation on prices of wines and spirits in the EC member states is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Rates of excise duties and VAT in each of the member states, according to the latest information available, are set out in the table:
the harmonised system of tariff classification on 1 January 1988 were designed to facilitate trade. The effect of the changes on customs staffing has been broadly neutral, but there should be savings in costs in the commercial sector.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with his European Community colleagues about evidence of the incidence of bribery of customs officers at internal borders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 22 February 1988]: None.