HC Deb 01 February 1971 vol 810 cc251-3W
Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent is the under-recording of exports still taking place.

Mr. John Davies

There is no evidence to suggest that under-recording in recent months has differed from the estimate of 2 per cent. indicated by the checks so far made of export documents received against ship and air craft manifests; results of these checks are now available covering months up to September, 1970.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what interested parties he has consulted on the under-recording of exports following his statement of 16th November, 1970; and what new arrangements he has now in mind accurately to record the monthly export figures;

(2) when he intends to implement his new method of pre-entry recording of the monthly export figures.

Mr. John Davies

In my statement of 16th November, 1970, I said that officials of H.M. Customs and of my Department would consult with interested parties in order to work out arrangements for a system of pre-entry of exports which would place the minimum burden on traders consistent with the over-riding requirement for accurate recording. The following national organisations have been consulted: Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Association of British Chambers of Commerce, International Air Transport Association, British Railways Board, Chamber of Shipping of the U.K., Confederation of British Industry, Institute of Freight Forwarders, London Association of Public Wharfingers, Road Haulage Association, Freight Transport Association Ltd., Aerodrome Owners Association, British Shippers' Council, British Transport Docks Board, Dock & Harbour Authorities Association, International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association, National Freight Corporation, U.K. Freight Forwarders Containers Association, British National Export Council, EDC for the Movement of Exports, Simplification of International Trade Procedures Board, British Export Houses Association, National Ports Council, Joint Airports Committee of Local Authorities. I cannot give a precise date when the new system will be introduced.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the organisations which have protested at his new form of export recording; and what ideas were submitted as alternative methods.

Mr. John Davies

Representations about the introduction of a system for the pre-entry of exports have been received from the following organisationsAssociation of British Chambers of Commerce, British Export Houses Association, British National Export Council, Confederation of British Industry, National Economic Development Office, Simplification of International Trade Procedures Board, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, British Rail: Shipping and International Services Division, South African Trade Association, London Wharfingers Association, The Society of Shipping Executives, Institute of Freight Forwarders, British Shippers Council, International Air Transport Association, Television News Air Liaison Committee, Airline Operators Committee (London Airport), Airline Operators Committee (Manchester Airport), Airline Operators Committee (Prestwick Airport), Joint Airports Committee of Local Authorities, British European Airways, Grimsby Incorporated Chamber of Commerce and Shipping, Bahr, Behrend & Co., Ford Motor Co. Ltd., A. Hurst & Co. Ltd., Laporte Industries Ltd., Linotype Ltd., Jointine Products Co. Ltd., Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd., British Pottery Manufacturers Federation, A.B. Volvo, D. D. Smyth & Co., Trio-Folberth, C. W. Thompson Jewitt & Co.

A number of broad alternatives have been suggested but we still consider that a system of pre-entry is necessary. Meanwhile the consultations promised in my statement of 16th November, 1970, are proceeding.