§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will define what Her Majesty's Customs and Excise treat as a genuine trade need, in relation to an approval to extend the list of cargoes which can operate through a port.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 14 March 1988]: Customs' approval of wharves and transit sheds for the importation and exportation of goods is dependent on several factors, including the physical security of the port and transit 93W sheds; the provision of adequate facilities for the safe handling and practical examination of goods; and firm evidence of a genuine trade need.
Evidence of a genuine trade need means that intending users should be able to demonstrate a firm commitment to use the facility, indicate the volume and nature of traffic envisaged and, in cases where facilities are available at other ports nearby, show why these cannot conveniently be used.