HC Deb 23 March 1977 vol 928 cc583-5W
Mr. McCusker

asked the Chancellor cat the Exchequer how many permanent Customs posts along the Northern Ireland frontier have been destroyed by terrorist bombs and (a) not replaced, or (b) replaced by temporary accommodation.

1. Culmore … … … … … … … 0800–1800 7 days per week
2. Buncrana Road … … … … … … 0800–1800 7 days per week
3. Killea … … … … … … … 0800–1800 7 days per week
4. Mullenan … … … … … … … 0800–1800 7 days per week
5. Strabane … … … … … … … 0800–1800 7 days per week
6. Belleek … … … … … … … 0800–1700 7 days per week
7. Tullyhommon … … … … … … 0900–1700 (Monday to Saturday)
8. Belcoo … … … … … … … 0800–1700 7 days per week
9. Mullan … … … … … … … 0900–1700 (Monday to Saturday)
10. Clontivrin … … … … … … … 0800–1800 7 days per week
11. Aughnacloy … … … … … … 0900–2100 7 days per week
12. Middletown … … … … … … 0800–2100 7 days per week
13. Carnagh … … … … … … … 0900–1700 (Monday to Saturday)
14. Upper Fathom … … … … … … 0800–1800 7 days per week

The posts on the following approved routes are not manned: Kilclean, Aghalane, Roslea, Tullydonnell, Cullaville, Killeen.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many uniformed Customs officials are employed along the Northern Ireland frontier with the Republic of Ireland; and what was the average monthly overtime during 1976.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

At present there are 131. Their average monthly overtime per person during 1976 was £122.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the following Customs posts along the County Fermanagh border; Clontivrin, Tullyhommon, Beleek, Belcoo, and Mullan.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Customs and Excise are at present reviewing staffing and control procedures throughout the United Kingdom in the light of fiscal changes and trade developments. Northern Ireland land boundary procedures have been included in the review, and certain changes

Mr. Robert Sheldon

The information is as follows: (a) number of posts destroyed and not replaced, six; (b) number of posts destroyed and replaced by temporary accommodation, 13.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the names of the approved border crossings which exist on the Northern Ireland frontier, indicating how many of them now have manned Customs posts and the hours during which each is open.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

While free Customs attendance for commercial traffic is restricted to 0900–1700 hours on weekdays, the approved border crossings listed below are manned during the hours shown against them:

are being introduced shortly to strengthen control and improve facilities for traders.

The following arrangements will apply to County Fermanagh. Unless otherwise stated the hour shown represent the times when free Customs attendance will be given on each weekday. Attendance on special request may be given at other times.

  1. (a) Clontivrin—Increased from eight hours at present to 12½ hours.
  2. (b) Tullyhommon and Beleek—The daily attendance of eight hours at each post can no longer be justified; but a daily attendance amounting to eight hours in all will be divided between the two posts in accordance with the needs of the work at each.
  3. (c) Belcoo—Eight hours attendance to continue.
  4. (d) Mullan—Eight hours attendance on Monday to Friday to be substituted for the present Monday to Saturday attendance.

Commercial traffic coming to the Customs at Tullyhommon, Belcoo and Mullan has to proceed to Enniskillen for examination under existing arrangements but will in future be examined and cleared at the boundary posts during approved hours. However, on request being made, free Customs attendance will be provided at Enniskillen or Beleek for an additional four and a half hours daily when attendance is not given at the boundary posts.

Pending suitable accommodation being provided at Clontivrin, clearance of freight will continue to be given at Newton Butler.

The additional hours of free Customs attendance should be of substantial benefit to traders.

To combat cross border smuggling the effectiveness of Customs patrols will be increased by greater mobility and improved raido equipment. Investigation staff are also to be increased.