§ Mr. McCuskerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the closure of Newry Customs post on Saturday 5 March; what efforts were made to warn the public about its closure; and what disciplinary action is being taken against those who did not turn up for work.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 14 March 1988]: The Newry Customs post did not open for normal business on 5 March following a telephone threat on the previous evening. Customs agents were given prior warning and arrangements made to ensure that information on imports and exports was obtained. The question of disciplinary measures does not arise as this was a management decision.
§ Mr. McCuskerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the normal Saturday opening hours of the Newry Customs post; how many people are normally employed at the post on a Saturday; whether they are scheduled in as part of their normal working week; and what is the total estimated cost of keeping the post open on a Saturday.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 14 March 1988]: The normal Saturday opening hours of Newry Customs station are 7.30 am to 9 pm. Staff on the station are on shift working five out of six days Monday to Saturday. Thirty-five officers are scheduled to attend at the station on Saturday as part of their normal working week. The estimated cost of keeping the station open on a Saturday is £3,000.