§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his reply of 19 July,Official Report, column 182, to the hon. Member for Mossley Hill, whether he will now review the operation of existing Customs roles in freeport areas; and what consideration he has given to the representations of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, a copy of which has been sent to him.
§ Mr. RyderAs the hon. Member will be aware, free ports were established in the United Kingdom in 1984 for an experimental period of seven years. The experiment is being reviewed this year by independent consultants. There will he a full examination of the rules administered by Customs and Excise which will take into account, among other matters, the representations of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company.