§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect the proposed merger of HM Customs and Excise with the Inland Revenue and reduction in staffing levels will have on the number of frontline uniformed customs officers in(a) the UK, (b) Scotland, (c) the Highlands and Islands and (d) Orkney and Shetland; and if he will make a statement. [163268]
§ Mr. ProsserTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which posts will be lost in HM Customs and Excise service under his plan to reduce numbers of civil servants. [163174]
§ John Healey[holding answer 23 March 2004]: The Chancellor has announced in this year's Budget the creation of a new Department, integrating the work of HM Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue.
The new Department will be tasked with delivering the benefits of improved customer service, in particular reducing compliance costs, and improved compliance with tax law, as well as greater efficiency.
The reforms announced dovetail with the work conducted by the Gershon efficiency review. The integration of the departments, along with existing plans and proposed efficiency reforms, will create scope for overall savings equivalent to 14,000 posts by 2008. On the basis of policy commitments and plans to increase front line staffing in some areas, this will result in an overall reduction equivalent to 10,500 posts by 2008.
The location and nature of staffing changes will be determined in detailed business planning to be undertaken by the revenue departments and their new Executive Chairman, when appointed, who will be consulting as appropriate with all key stakeholders including trade unions.
Customs expertise in working at the borders to protect national security, collect revenue, facilitate trade and prevent smuggling will continue to play a vital role in the new integrated department.