§ Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the total amount spent by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in 1988 on management and computer consultancy contracts, excluding hardware and software purchases; and if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in 1988, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.
§ Mr. LilleyThe total amount spent by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in 1988 was £3,527,225.
The consultancy firms awarded contracts in management and computer consultancy, excluding hardware and software purchases are as follows:
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Firm Assignments Advanced Computer Services Limited Intelligence networks Apricot Network upgrading Arthur Andersen VAT work planning systems Arthur Young Strategic database BIS Applied Systems Cabling requirements British Telecom Customs handling of import and export freight (CHIEF) Bull (Honeywell) Extension of computerised intelligence system Computer Centre Network upgrading study
§ Mr. LilleySince we do not accept the Commission's proposals for harmonisation of taxes/excise duties on alcohol and tobacco we have not accepted, nor are we bound by, any current EC Commission proposals involving the convergence of rates of tax on these items. All such proposals on matters of taxation would require unanimity before they could be binding on member states.