HC Deb 28 February 1978 vol 945 cc184-5W
Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he had consultations with shipowners, shipbrokers and port authorities before finalising the terms of the Revised Boarding Procedures for Commercial Vessels (Notice No. 69) issued by his Department.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Yes. The intention of Customs to revise its boarding procedures in April 1978 was first announced in a Press notice on 5th October 1977. Consultations took place subsequently, and are continuing, between Customs and the professional bodies representing the shipowners and the ship-brokers. The port authorities are not concerned with the changes in prospect. Customs Notice No. 69, which describes the new procedures, was issued in January 1978.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been made to him by shipowners, ship-brokers, port authorities or other affected interests, since the publication of the Revised Boarding Procedures for Commercial Vessels (Notice No. 69).

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Representations have been made by the General Council of British Shipping, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, the Mercantile Marine Service Association, the London General Shipowners' Society and various other local interests. As a result of these representations a variety of points is being considered by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. The port authorities are not concerned with the changes in prospect.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates were made by him of the costs likely to be imposed on shipowners, shipbrokers, port authorities or other interested parties as a result of the change from present procedures to those which will apply after the Revised Boarding Procedures for Commercial Vessels (Notice No. 69) comes into operation.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

The master of a vessel has the legal responsibility for preparing documents for presentation to Customs and it is a commercial decision whether or not an agent should be employed to assist. For this reason, the extent to which there may be costs falling upon shipowners, shipbrokers or other interested parties as a result of the more selective approach to Customs boarding cannot be assessed until discussions with the local trade interests have been taken further. No additional expense will fall upon the port authorities.